Jazz / Mainstream Jazz
Greg Abate - Sax (Baritone), Sax (Tenor), Executive Producer, Sax (Alto), Sax (Soprano), Flute
Billy Hart Drums
James Williams Piano
John Shyloski Engineer
Ken Franckling Liner Notes
Mark Morganelli Producer
Peter Amaral Photography
A top hard bop altoist and tenor saxophonist based in the Northeastern U.S., Greg Abate normally plays a lot of standards, but this set is quite a bit different. Although boppish in general, Abate and his quartet (with pianist James Williams, bassist Harvie Swartz, and drummer Billy Hart) perform nine of the leader's originals, songs that usually utilize fresh chord changes. Abate (who also plays some soprano on this date) and Williams take many fine solos and the CD moves along like a suite, although the individual pieces also stand on their own. An excellent effort. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
Greg Abate
Active Decades: '90s and '00s
Born: May 31, 1947 in Fall River, MA
Genre: Jazz
Styles: Big Band, Bop, Mainstream Jazz
A superior bop player who finally emerged on records as a leader in the 1990s, Greg Abate had picked up experience playing with the Ray Charles Orchestra (starting in 1973 when he succeeded David "Fathead" Newman) and the Artie Shaw band when it was headed by clarinetist Dick Johnson during 1985-1987. Based in Rhode Island, Abate has played at many festivals and club dates, mostly on the East Coast and in Europe. Although he also plays tenor, flute, and soprano, alto is his main ax. Abate, who considers Charlie Parker, Paul Desmond, and Phil Woods to be among his most important influences, has recorded as a leader for Seaside, Candid, and Blue Chip Jazz (Bop Lives!).
---Scott Yanow, All Music Guide |
