Bio - Greg Abate

Jazz saxophonist, flutist & composer Greg Abate's 2004 recording "Evolution" was nominated for Grammy Awards in four categories.  Greg has toured with the Ray Charles Orchestra and the Artie Shaw Band and continues international touring and recording today 150+ days a year.

Born in Fall River, MA in 1947, Greg grew up in Woonsocket, RI and began his musical training on clarinet in 5th grade. Following graduation from Berklee College of Music, Greg performed lead alto sax for the Ray Charles Orchestra for 2 years before starting his own group Channel One. Their only recording, "Without Boundaries", was released in 1980. Greg performed with Tony Giorgianni's Sax Odyssey and Duke Bellair's Jazz Orchestra before joining the Artie Shaw Band in 1986.

Greg ventured out as post hard bop soloist playing for major jazz festivals, clubs and societies around the world. His first personal recording "Live At Birdland NYC" in 1991 was released on Candid jazz label with James Williams, Rufus Reid and Kenny Washington. More recordings followed, including "Straight Ahead", "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde", "Bop Lives" and "Happy Samba".

Greg currently lives in Coventry, RI and is Adjunct Professor of Jazz Studies at Rhode Island College. He also conducts workshops and master classes for Conn-Selmer Instrument Co. throughout America and abroad, along with performing with his quartet locally and around the world.

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Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune - "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."

METRO San Jose - "...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.

W. Pickowitz, Jr., The Jazz Messenger - "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…”

David Franklin, Jazz Times - “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.”

Jim Merod, New Jazz Recordings - “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.”