Be Bop
Greg Abate is noted by jazz reviewers as being one of the best post-bebop alto players on the jazz map today. Although his style is unmistakably his own, it embodies overtones of Phil Woods, Art Pepper, Jackie McLean, and Charlie Parker.
After completing Berklee College of Music in 1971, Abate first made a name for himself playing lead alto saxophone with the Ray Charles Orchestra. In the mid eighties, he was hired by Dick Johnson to play tenor saxophone with the Artie Shaw Orchestra. Following this two year stint, Abate struck out on his own and has since been doing what he does best. Bop.
Since launching his solo career, Abate has been featured at major jazz clubs and festivals in the United States and abroad. He has recorded ten albums as a leader, performing with such notable artists as Richie Cole, Claudio Roditi, Frank Tiberi, and Kenny Barron.
Besides maintaining an active performance schedule, Abate shares his enthusiasm for music with students of all ages through private instructional workshops and clinics sponsored by Conn-Selmer, Inc.
As a highly respected jazz artist, Greg Abate is extremely passionate about his work. His undying commitment to music, combined with his swinging intensity and ever-present jazz aesthetic has earned him a tide he is well deserving of: the Prince of Bebop.
CD Review – Live in Monterey
Saxophonist Greg Abate’s group, featuring pianist Bill Cunliffe, bassist Ray Drummond and drummer Akira Tana, begins Live In Monterey (produced by Dr. Herb Wong) with an energetic take of “You And The Night And The Music,” which is full of verve and swagger. It straight off tells the listener that this is going to be a solid, swinging straight-ahead set featuring inspired blowing and ensemble work. The rhythm section drives the band hard and makes the shift between Afro-Cuban and swing feels seamlessly. Abate, on alto here, digs in and goes for it, while Cunliffe’s left-hand voicings and right-hand single-note runs evoke McCoy Tyner. Drummond, who quotes the tune in his solo, is rock solid, as is Tana, who is about as crisp as they come. The band is extremely tight and the collective intensity of its members, along with their overall approach, suggest they take Coltrane’s classic quartet as a model. Unlike someone who has a similar sound on all their instruments, Abate’s approach on alto and tenor are distinctly different. His alto sound, which recalls Bud Shank’s, is big and slightly rough, yet sweet at the same time, while on tenor his style comes closer to Coltrane. Abate is a melodic and inventive player who never seems to run out of fresh ideas, whether he’s burning through the changes on “Bebop” or taking time on the ballads “Oh You Crazy Moon” and his “For The Love Of Life,” which is tuneful enough to fit into the Great American Songbook. At 74 minutes, Live In Monterey is long, but the varied arrangements, different styles (the bossa-ish take on “Infant Eyes” is tasty) and track sequencing not only make it go by quickly but give the listener a lot to dig into.
—Chris Robinson
Composer / arranger DISCOGRAPHY
“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
Compact Discs:
1. BOP CITY – LIVE AT BIRDLAND 1991
The Greg Abate Quartet ~ Greg Abate (alto, soprano & tenor saxophones, flute), James Williams (piano), Rufus Reid (bass), and Kenny Washington (drums)
Candid / CCD 79513
2. GREG ABATE STRAIGHT AHEAD 1993
The Greg Abate Quintet ~ Greg Abate (alto & tenor saxophones), Claudio Roditi (trumpet, flugel horn), Hilton Ruiz (piano), George Mraz (bass), and Kenny Washington (drums)
Candid / CCD 79530
3. DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE 1994
The Greg Abate Quintet ~ Greg Abate (soprano, alto, tenor & baritone saxophones, flute), Richie Cole (alto saxophone), Chris Neville (piano), Paul Del Nero (bass), and Artie Cabral (drums)
Candid / CCD 79715
“High vibes imbue Abate’s three CDs on Candid.”
--Fred Bouchard, Jazz Times
4. 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), and John Anter (drums)
Seaside Recordings / SSMB 132
-more-
Greg Abate / discography, page 2
“Charlie Parker and Art Pepper are obvious influences, but Abate adds a certain tough vigor that’s all his own. His playing throughout the disc solidifies his spot as New England’s top alto man and one of the best anywhere. MY BUDDY is very good jazz and a great example of what talented people can do if they are just allowed to go into a studio and cut loose.” --John Basile, The Jazz Line
5. GREG ABATE – 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), and Matt Gordy (drums)
Brownstone Recordings / BRCD 959
6. BROKEN DREAMS 2000
Greg Abate and Friends ~ Greg Abate (alto, tenor & soprano saxophones), Frank Tiberi (tenor saxophone), Mac Chrupcala (piano), Dave Zinno (bass), and John Anter (drums)
Seaside Recordings / SSBD 144
“What is really amazing is how much Greg puts into every CD he
has ever done. Just when you believe he has reached his highest level, he gives you something new to think about.”
--Arthur C. Bourassa, Jazz Now
“I’ve loved every Abate CD I’ve heard, and BROKEN DREAMS is no exception. Quality people – quality jazz. Enuff said.”
--Butch Berman, Discorama
7. 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
“…Abate’s musical style can be seen as a distillation of swing’s easygoing vibe and bop’s more animated groove. He has developed a unique voice. Abate's tone is well-behaved, not passive, but by no means aggressive… you can rest assured that the horn player brings his impeccable taste and accuracy to this recording.”
--METRO San Jose, CA (Bop Lives!)
-more-
Greg Abate / discography, page 3
8. HAPPY SAMBA 2000
The Greg Abate Quintet ~ Greg Abate (alto & soprano saxophones, flute), Mark Soskin (piano), Harvie Swartz (vertical bass), Ed Uribe (drums & percussion), and Wilson “Chembo” Corniel (congas)
Blue Chip Jazz / 4004-2
9. Greg Abate – EVOLUTION 2002
Greg Abate (alto, soprano, tenor & baritone saxophones, flute) James Williams (piano), Harvie S (bass), and Billy Hart (drums)
1201 Music / 60132
10. 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 KOKO JAZZ RECORDS
RECORDED 2005
Greg Abate alto and tenor saxophones
Paul Nagel Piano
Bill Miele electric bass
Art Montanaro trombone
Vinnie Pagano drums
Audio Cassettes:
1. GREG ABATE – SPIRIT
The Greg Abate Group ~ featuring Claudio Roditi
Stage Door Records / AVL 89131
Recorded 1987
Stage Door Productions
2. TWO SIDES OF GREG ABATE
The Greg Abate Quartet
Buckley Records
Recorded 1988
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
“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
Greg Abate is one of the best post bebop alto players today. He studied at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.
“…dedicated to uncluttered, uncompromised, unswerving jazz.”
--Mike Joyce, The Washington Post
In the early 70s, Greg did a two year stint playing lead alto with the Ray Charles Orchestra. For another two years in the mid 80s, he held the jazz tenor chair in the revived Artie Shaw Orchestra under the direction of Dick Johnson. In the interim, since and now, Greg is doing his thing.
It is high energy bebop – intense and melodic, his distinctive voice is big and full – full of passion – great emotion, especially in ballads.
When you hear him play, you’re glad you’re there.
Peter DeVeber 4/02
Contact:
Greg Abate or Peter DeVeber
Tel. (401) 823-4097
Tel. (781) 344-3719
GREGABATE@COX.NET PDEVEBER@COMCAST.NET