Greg Abate Quartet

The Greg Abate Quartet: www.gregabate.com/

Greg Abate sax, John Pearce keyboards, Simon Thorpe bass and Matt Holmes drums

Greg Abate jazz saxophonist, flutist, composer is an International Jazz/Recording Artist, touring the world 225 days a year. 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 own group Channel One which was a favourite in the New England area but went on 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 date Greg has recorded over 17 other recordings as leader. ‘Recently’, Greg released, ‘Kindred Spirits’, featuring Greg and Phil Woods with The Tim Ray Trio on Whaling City Sound Records.

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. Greg was inducted into the RI Music Hall of Fame in 2016.

“It has been said that Greg is one of the most appealing saxophonists on the scene today with a mature abundance of gentle self-confidence. The result is that he plays music with sweetness and daring.”