Greg Abate
sunday jazz
- Main Information
Greg Abate – Saxophone
Dean Stockdale – Piano
Andy Champion – Double Bass
Abbie Finn - Drums
Greg Abate is a jazz saxophonist, flautist and composer, who is on tour 250 days a year around the world.
In the mid-70s, after finishing a four year course at Berklee College Of Music, Greg played lead alto for the Ray Charles Orchestra for 2 years. In 1978, he formed the group Channel One which was a favourite in the New England area and from there played tenor sax with the revived Artie Shaw Orchestra under leadership of Dick Johnson from 1986 - 87. Then Greg ventured out as post hard-bop soloist playing Jazz Festivals, Jazz Societies and Jazz Clubs throughout the US, Canada and abroad, including most of Europe, UK and Russia.
Although he also plays tenor, flute, and soprano, alto is his main instrument. Greg considers Charlie Parker, Paul Desmond, and Phil Woods to be among his most important influences.
Joining Greg for this concert by the Dean Stockdale Trio, featuring Andy Champion on bass and Abbie Finn drums. A highly regarded jazz pianist, arranger and composer, Dean is based in the North and is known for his sensitive, swinging style. He regularly appears around the UK with his trio and some of the best names in UK and international jazz. His biggest influences in jazz are the piano styles of Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, Gene Harris, Mulgrew Miller and Erroll Garner.
“Greg Abate is an absolute powerhouse who will absolutely not let hard driving bebop die. One of the most exciting players around today.”
“Multi-saxophonist Greg Abate is a prime example of the ‘rear back and blow’ school of contemporary bop-based players.”