Born: May 31, 1947 Primary Instrument: Saxophone
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 in 1986 and ’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, 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 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.
Last Updated: March 30, 2013
Discography and Reviews
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
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
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
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
“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
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
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
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!)
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
EVOLUTION 2002
Greg Abate (alto, soprano, tenor & baritone saxophones,
flute) James
Williams (piano), Harvie S (bass), and Billy Hart (drums)
1201 Music / 60132
Horace Is Here 2004
Re Issue and Remixed 2011
RHOMBUS RECORDS
(A Tribute to jazz great Horace Silver)
Greg Abate ,saxophones
Claudio Roditi ,Trumpet
Hilton Ruiz , piano
Marshall Wood , bass
Art Cabral , drums
MONSTERS IN THE NIGHT 2005
Greg Abate alto and tenor saxophones
Paul Nagel Piano
Bill Miele electric bass
Art Montanaro trombone
Vinnie Pagano drums
World Records
BIRDS OF A FEATHER 2007
GREG ABATE ALAN BARNES QUINTET
Featuring John Donaldson piano
Andy Cleyndert bass
Spike Wells drums
Produced by Alan Barnes
Woodville Records
England
2008
Wave Street Sessions
Greg Abate Quartet
Featuring Bill Cunliffe piano
Ray Drummond bass
Akira Tana drums
Produced by Dr. Herb Wong
Greg Abate Quintet Featuring Phil Woods Mar 30.2012 Rhombus
7112
Jesse Green piano, Evan Gregor bass and Bill Goodwin drums .
Audio Cassettes:
SPIRIT 1988
The Greg Abate Group ~ featuring Claudio Roditi
Stage Door Productions
TWO SIDES OF GREG ABATE 1987
Stage Door Records / AVL 89131
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
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Primary Instrument:
Saxophone
Location:
Coventry, RI
Willing to teach:
Advanced students only.
Credentials/Background:
GREG is accepting serious students in saxophone, flute , Jazz Improvisation and composition.
The hourly fee is $75.00. The studio is located in Coventry, RI.
Internationally known jazz saxophonist Greg Abate is available for clinics, improvisation workshops, and as a guest soloist at concerts and festivals. Mr. Abate is a Selmer clinician. An Abate clinic can be co-sponsored by the Selmer Co. by applying to them at least thirty (30) days prior to the clinic date. Mr. Abate has worked with students throughout the United States and in Europe, performing with them and their teachers.
Greg Abate is widely considered among jazz writers and aficionados to be one of the "best post bebop alto players out there today."
