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Greg Abate

Nazarian Center (NC)
(401) 456-9883
gregabate@cox.net

​​Background

Greg Abate is Adjunct Instructor of Jazz at Rhode Island College, where he teaches jazz improvisation, jazz theory, and coaches jazz combos. As a jazz saxophonist, flutist, and composer, he is in demand worldwide as performing and recording artist, touring the globe over 150 days a year. After finishing a four year program at Berklee College of Music, Mr. Abate played lead alto for the Ray Charles Orchestra for two years, later forming his own jazz group "Channel One," a favorite in the New England area. After performing with the revived Artie Shaw Orchestra from 1986 to 1987, Abate began forging a solo career throughout the US, Canada, Europe, and Russia.

He 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 made over 12 other recordings; his 2004 recording "Evolution" was nominated for a Grammy Award in four categories. He is an active jazz clinician with co-sponsorship from the Conn-Selmer Instrument Co.

Howard Reich, music critic of the Chicago Tribune, had this to say about Greg Abate: "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." Jim Merod, of New Jazz Recordings, wrote "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." ​​

Page last updated: February 01, 2017