Greg Abate is widely considered among jazz writers and aficionados to be one of the best post bebop alto saxophonists out there today. In the early 1970s, Greg did a two year stint playing lead alto with the Ray Charles orchestra. For another two years in the mid 1980s, he held the jazz tenor chair in the revived Artie Shaw orchestra under the direction of Dick Johnson. Greg performs throughout the United States, in Canada and Europe. His recordings receive playtime on radio all over the country. An accomplished composer and arranger, Abate has a clear notion of where jazz ought to be. He is a jazz educator, a Selmer clinician. He is Adjunct Instructor of Jazz at Rhode Island College in Providence, RI. He conducts clinics and workshops internationally, working with students from middle schools to colleges, performing with them and their teachers. Having attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music (Boston, MA) in 1971, Greg is listed among the school's prominent alumni. He has thirteen albums as a leader to his credit; all critically acclaimed. David Franklin wrote in the March 1999 issue of Jazz Times, "Multi-saxophonist Greg Abate is a prime example of the 'rear back and blow' school of contemporary bop-based players. The tunes he writes or chooses are based on the kinds of changes that harmony-oriented jazzmen have favored since the beginning and he swings through them with an eager and easy virtuosity." Greg resides in Coventry, RI. For more information on albums and upcoming tours go to www.gregabate.com. This year, Greg is scheduled to play locally at Chan's Egg Roll and Jazz, Woonsocket, RI, The Verizon Stage, Downtown Providence, RI, and The Atlantic Beach Club, Middletown/Newport, RI.If you are interested in booking Greg, please contact Peter DeVeber at email pdeveber@comcast.net or Greg Abate directly at email gregabate@cox.net or telephone (401) 823-4097.