Greg Abate

Saxophonist Greg Abate Captures One Of The Final Live Performances

By Phil Woods On His New Whaling City Sound CD

Greg Abate boasts one of hard bop’s best-known alto saxophones. In fact, he’s earned the nickname “the prince of bebop,” which makes perfect sense if you’ve seen him perform or if you’ve heard any number of his recordings. It won’t take long, as you spin his new recording, for you to hear the brio in Abate’s work, the power and passion behind his playing. He truly does his instrument justice.


It is something of an injustice that his bandmate on this recording, Phil Woods, is no longer with us to feel the love and hear the accolades bestowed on his and Abate’s new work. Woods, who passed in late September, was throughout his career widely hailed as one of the prototypical practitioners on the instrument. Prior to his passing, Abate and Woods, backed by the Tim Ray Trio—which includes world-class talents Ray on piano, Mark Walker on drums and John Lockwood on bass—whipped up the ebullient vibes on Kindred Spirits Live at Chan’s. Live is one of just a short list of Woods’ last live sax performances caught on record, and essentially and unexpectedly, a recording dedicated to the jazz giant.

It goes without question that Woods enjoyed an illustrious career, one that was both inspired and inspirational. He began playing the sax at 12, developed his artistry in the wake of the incredible legacy left by the king of bebop, Charlie Parker. Woods became one of the instrument’s true standard bearers and he mentored countless young musicians throughout his life.

It’s not a coincidence that Abate himself, an individualist on the instrument, pays a deep artistic debt to the fine work of Phil Woods and Parker before him. This recording, in consummate Abate fashion, is tasteful and powerful, as well as an emotional send-off to a musician the likes of which we will not witness again. Still you can hear him side by side with Abate, onstage, brimming with the noise and notes from two great saxophones. This music, like so much of Woods' work, will surely live on forever.

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Greg Abate

Greg Abate jazz saxophonist, flutist, composer continues as an International Jazz/Recording Artist with 150 days a year touring the globe. In the mid 70’s after finishing a four year program at Berklee College Of Music, Greg played lead alto for the Ray Charles Orchestra for 2 years.
In 1978 Greg formed his group Channel One which was a favorite in the New England area and from there had the opportunity to play tenor sax with the revived Artie Shaw Orchestra under leadership of Dick Johnson from 1986 to ’87.
Following this experience Greg ventured out as post hard bop soloist playing Jazz Festivals, Jazz Societies and Jazz Clubs throughout the U.S. Canada and abroad, including most of Europe, UK, and Moscow and Georgia Russia. Greg recorded his first CD Live At Birdland NYC in 1991 on the Candid Jazz Label with the trio of James Williams, Rufus Reid and Kenny Washington.

To this date Greg has recorded over 12 other recordings and was nominated for a Grammy for his 2004 recording EVOLUTION in four categories . James Williams, Harvie S and Billy Hart comprised the trio. Greg is also an adjunct professor of Jazz Studies at Rhode Island College and is also a very active jazz clinician with co. sponsorship from the Conn -Selmer Instrument Co., conducting workshops and master classes through the U.S and abroad.
What some say about Greg Abate:
Abate is not content to rely on stock bebop riffs and standard chord progressions. Rather, the sharp angularity of his phrases and the often startling pauses in his fast-moving lines give his work a feeling of constant invention and creativity.”
–Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune
“…Abate’s musical style can be seen as a distillation of swing’s easygoing vibe and bop’smore animated groove. He has developed a unique voice.
–METRO San Jose,
“Greg Abate is an absolute powerhouse who will absolutely not let hard driving bebop die.One of the most exciting players around today, Greg’s commitment to the music is total…”
–W. Pickowitz, Jr., The Jazz Messenger
“Multi-saxophonist Greg Abate is a prime example of the ‘rear back and blow’ school of contemporary bop-based players. The tunes he writes or chooses are based on the kinds of changes that harmony-oriented jazzmen have favored since the beginning and he swings through them with and eager and easy virtuosity.”
–David Franklin, Jazz Times
“Greg Abate is one of the most appealing saxophonists on the scene today. He is mature with an abundance of gentle self-confidence. The result is that he plays music with sweetness and daring.”
–Jim Merod, New Jazz Recordings

Discography
BOP CITY – LIVE AT BIRDLAND 1991
The Greg Abate Quartet

Greg Abate (alto, soprano & tenor saxophones,flute),

James Williams (piano),

Rufus Reid (bass),

Kenny Washington(drums)
Candid / CCD 79513

GREG ABATE STRAIGHT AHEAD 1993
The Greg Abate Quintet

Greg Abate (alto & tenor saxophones),

ClaudioRoditi (trumpet, flugel horn),

Hilton Ruiz (piano),

George Mraz (bass),

Kenny Washington (drums)
Candid / CCD 79530

DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE 1994
The Greg Abate Quintet

Greg Abate (soprano, alto, tenor & baritonesaxophones, flute),

Richie Cole (alto saxophone),

Chris Neville (piano),

Paul Del Nero (bass),

Artie Cabral (drums)
Candid / CCD 79715

MY BUDDY 1997
Greg Abate and Friends

Greg Abate (alto, tenor & soprano saxophones,flute),

Donna Byrne (vocals),

Paul Fontaine (trumpet),

Mac Chrupcala(piano),

Marshall Wood (bass),

Al Bernstein (bass, tracks 12 & 13),

John Anter (drums)
Seaside Recordings / SSMB 132

IT’S CHRISTMASTIME 1997
Greg Abate and Friends

Greg Abate (alto, tenor & soprano saxophones, flute),

Herb Pomeroy (trumpet, flugelhorn),

Paul Broadnax (piano,vocals),

Jack Pezanelli (guitar),

Mark Pucci (bass),

Peter Kontrimas(bass, track 7),

Matt Gordy (drums)
Brownstone Recordings / BRCD 959

BROKEN DREAMS 2000
Greg Abate and Friends

Greg Abate (alto, tenor & soprano saxophones),

Frank Tiberi (tenor saxophone),

Mac Chrupcala (piano),

Dave Zinno(bass),

John Anter (drums)
Seaside Recordings / SSBD 144

BOP LIVES! 1998
The Greg Abate Quintet

Greg Abate (alto saxophone),

Claudio Roditi (trumpet, flugelhorn),

Kenny Barron (piano),

Rufus Reid (bass),

and Ben Riley (drums)
Blue Chip Jazz / 4001

HAPPY SAMBA 2000
The Greg Abate Quintet

Greg Abate (alto & soprano saxophones, flute),

Mark Soskin (piano),

Harvie Swartz (vertical bass),

Ed Uribe (drums &percussion),

Wilson “Chembo” Corniel (congas)
Blue Chip Jazz / 4004-2

EVOLUTION 2002
Greg Abate (alto, soprano, tenor & baritone saxophones, flute),

JamesWilliams (piano),

Harvie S (bass),

Billy Hart (drums)
1201 Music / 60132

HORACE IS HERE 2004 - (A Tribute to jazz great Horace Silver)
Greg Abate (saxophones),
Claudio Roditi (Trumpet),
Hilton Ruiz (piano),
Marshall Wood (bass),
Art Cabral (drums),
Koko Jazz Records

MONSTERS IN THE NIGHT 2005
Greg Abate (alto and tenor saxophones),
Paul Nagel (Piano),
Bill Miele electric (bass),
Art Montanaro (trombone),
Vinnie Pagano (drums),
Audio Cassettes:

SPIRIT 1988 - The Greg Abate Group ~ featuring Claudio Roditi
Stage Door Records / AVL 89131
Stage Door Productions

TWO SIDES OF GREG ABATE 1987
The Greg Abate Quartet
Buckley Records

Greg Abate recorded with other artists:
Bird Lives,NY with ~Red Rodney (Candid Productions Ltd.) 1993
Dan Moretti and Brazilia (Live at Chan’s) Brownstone Recordings 1996
Justin Holden (JUSTIN TIME, Bayside Records/101) 1997
Claudio Roditi (SAMBA MANHATTAN STYLE, Reservoir Music/RSR139) 1994
Ken Crowell (CHOPS BIG BAND JAZZ, Ohlone College Jazz Series) 1998

http://www.gregabate.com/?page_id=2

An afternoon with Greg Abate (part 1)

1 of 2. Interview with Greg Abate, jazz saxophonist, flutist, composer, to name but a few of the strings on his bow! Brought to you by Dawkes Music, We get up close and personal with this American master of Jazz improvisation.

An afternoon with Greg Abate (part 2)