Abate, Greg
Koko Jazz, 2006, CD
Instrument: Saxophone
Issue: 12.4
Jazz Ruler Type: Bebop
Performance: 4
Sound: 4
Score: 
O’s Notes: Greg is a lesser-known bop sax and flute player performing mostly in New England. A look at his dossier shows experience playing with Ray Charles, Clark Terry and the Artie Shaw Band. But listen up because he’s got a lot to say! Abate leads this quintet through nine original tunes all named after famous monsters. That is a bit deceptive because the music is not scary or mysterious. The sound is large and really swings with excellent interaction between the rhythm section while the melodies are handles by Artie Montanaro (tb), pianist Paul Nagel and Abate. “In The Woods At Night” is an excellent example in a fine set.
Publicist: RadX