GMG – “GMG”

Self-Titled Debut Album of the highly energetic jazz/funk/rock trio Nominated for Best Jazz Album of 2009 at the Chicago Music Awards (CMAs)

Featuring:

Greg Spero – keys
Makaya McCraven – drums
Graham Czach – bass

1. Shiggidy
2. Antler
3. Dr. Awkward
4. Peace Six
5. G-Funk
6. Makman
7. Roll Away

Forging new sounds in experimental jazz and funk-rock, GMG is a creative collective where each musician contributes virtuosic playing to well structured, yet improvisatory songs that build and release tension with an energetic frenzy leaving people on their feet cheering and screaming for more. Look out for a follow up album in 2010.

The album was recorded in Chicago at Pragma Studios in the early part of 2008 as a test session to get some recorded material and ideas down. Well, the inspiration and chemistry of that one day of tracking turned it into an entire album of usable and releasable music. Half of the songs on the album were completed and composed that day in the studio such as “Antler”, “G-Funk”, and “Roll Away”.

Right from the start of the record, GMG launches into intense syncopated fusion riffs in “Shiggidy” which then relax after a blazing solo by Spero into a building chordal bass section. All the players are featured in different parts of the songs with Czach taking the lead melody in “Antler” on bass and then taking some tasteful and always original solos in “Peace Six” and “Makman”. McCraven’s blistering drumming and ever jaw dropping chops come shining through on key tracks like “Dr. Awkward” and “Makman”. “Roll Away” is a piano driven song with an ever-building emotional climax throughout the song reminiscent of Mahler symphonies where Spero navigates through Mehldau like passages. Highlights on the album for the gifted young Spero are reflected in the solos and melodies of “Dr. Awkward”, “Shiggidy”, and “Peace Six” that give Keith Jarrett a run for his money. This trio tells a powerful story through their music without even saying a word.

Released July 2008.