GREG ABATE
Ranked among the top alto saxophone players in jazz today, Greg Abate has proven over and over again that he can go toe to toe with anyone. A few years ago Greg did a live album with the alto master Phil Woods, which happens to be one that Arlen loves to play on the radio show. Each time we hear a track playing, we both spend all our off mic time debating whose playing at any particular time, as they sound so much alike. Greg can play faster than anyone I know and then turn around and play a beautiful ballad as if he wrote it. This concert will be the first time SFMC is presenting Greg, although it’s been a long time in the making.
An absolute thriller, you won’t want to miss this one. Get your tickets early at (505) 946-7934.
An absolute thriller, you won’t want to miss this one. Get your tickets early at (505) 946-7934.
MICHAEL MORREALE - TRUMPET
BOB FOX - PIANO
COLIN DEUBLE - BASS
JOHN TRENTACOSTA - DRUMS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 2nd
MUSEUM HILL CAFE
Doors at 6:00pm - Concert at 7:00pm
TICKETS: $20 (SFMC Member) - $25 (non-member)
Reservations and Info: 505-946-7934
Greg Abate jazz saxophonist, flutist, composer continues as an International Jazz/Recording Artist with 225 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 17 other recordings as leader.
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.
In 2016, Greg was inducted into the RHODE ISLAND MUSIC HALL OF FAME.
What some say about Greg Abate:
“I sleep a lot better knowing there are alto players like Greg! It was a joy to make music with him and he writes good songs that are challenging.” Phil Woods
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
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 17 other recordings as leader.
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.
In 2016, Greg was inducted into the RHODE ISLAND MUSIC HALL OF FAME.
What some say about Greg Abate:
“I sleep a lot better knowing there are alto players like Greg! It was a joy to make music with him and he writes good songs that are challenging.” Phil Woods
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
WITH SINCERE THANKS - TO OUR WONDERFUL SPONSORS AND GRANTOR
Meredith Speers and Seamus Malin
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DICK and LAURIE MEYER
DAVE EDWARDS
ELAINE and MICHAEL BROWN
BRUCE JOHNSON and DIANE RAMSEY
MARY and GARY KILPATRIC
KATHY and RICK ABELES
Sustaining Members: ANNA and MARK DAVIS
Sustaining Members: JERI and DON BALICK
DAVE EDWARDS
ELAINE and MICHAEL BROWN
BRUCE JOHNSON and DIANE RAMSEY
MARY and GARY KILPATRIC
KATHY and RICK ABELES
Sustaining Members: ANNA and MARK DAVIS
Sustaining Members: JERI and DON BALICK