In The Moment – Greg Abate Quartet

“…one of the most gifted alto and soprano saxophonists recording today…” -Jazz Wax – Capturing the energy of his previous release on Summit (“Positive Energy”), this recording is a super-charged, diverse flow of energetic, original jazz that never lets the listener down.

Greg Abate – alto, tenor, soprano saxophones and flute; Bill O’Connell, piano; Harvie S, bass; Steve Johns, drums

In The Moment – Greg Abate Quartet

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The TUNES – From the artist:

Realization (Living the Dash) came on September 11, 2001, as a response to the day the Twin Towers were destroyed. The subtitle reflects the dash between birth and death–the span of our lives.

The Little Men was written in early 2001 and recorded on Evolution for my two sons. Watching them grow into adulthood has been one of life’s greatest joys.

All Or Nothin’ was written in the time of Covid being leary of a resurgence in back to normal life as in live gigs and touring and in person lessons and classes and a sense of not giving up. I would just go ahead with a positive attitude.

Kerry’s Song is dedicated to my loving partner. Kerry always a source of support, inspiration, and love. This new composition celebrates her beauty, strength, and the success of her own business.

Black Sea, written by Pianist Bill O’Connell lends a vibe of high intensity and different personality holding a great melody and harmonic sequence. He told me that he thought it had a vibe like Wayne Shorter’s tune “Black Nile” hence “Black Sea”.

In the Moment was composed during the COVID pandemic in my studio, where I found solace at the piano. It reflects the somber, contemplative mood of a world paused, and the longing for live music to return.

CCA is a reharmonized shuffle blues that honors my late father, Charles Carmine Abate, whose encouragement shaped my career. His suggestion to gig at a jazz club in Hartford, CT, opened doors to new venues and influential musicians.

Angelic honors my daughter, Jessica, whose grace, talent, and spirit fill me with pride… it is a celebration of her essence. She has it all!

Into Somewhere is a contrafact on the chord changes Out Of Nowhere!

REVIEW:

This new album by Rhode Island saxophonist-flutist Greg Abate mixes COVID-era compositions with memories and tributes. Some have been previously recorded by Abate, but they benefit here from readings by this veteran quartet, which features bill O’Connell (piano), Harvie S (bass) and Steve Johns (drums).

the opener “realization (Living the Dash)” (composed after 9/11) crackles with energy, Abate’s alto attack squarely in phil Woods mode. Johns, who is stellar throughout, carries his own percussive weight supporting O’Connell’s always-excellent comping and solo, as well as the bassist’s deep-wooded support. the soft, Latin treatment of “the Little men” is a tribute to Abate’s sons, rendered on tenor atop the pianist’s chordal accompaniment. “All or Nothin’”, another COVID-era moment, represents a deliberate choice in the midst of uncertainty, as Harvie S’ swinging bass communicates positivity and the leader’s garrulous alto rides Johns’ swing.

Another beloved family member receives a Latinesque tribute on “Kerry’s Song”, where Abate’s affectionate flute soliloquy is accompanied by a matching keyboard lilt and melodic bass solo. O’Connell’s “black Sea” (a nod to Wayne Shorter’s “black Nile”) commences with a resounding splash from the drummer as Abate, on tenor, does his Shorter best to set up an O’Connell solo that gets a nice push from the bassist. the saxophonist’s eventual solo here is one of his finer moments. COVID solitude produced the title cut, which sounds inspired by “Naima” in its phrasing and its reliance on the musical partnership with O’Connell. (the album features two versions, the second a “radio cut.”) Abate’s rich tone, relaxed confidence and evident harmony with his mates make this another album high point. A tribute to his father, “CCA” is an affable shuffle that showcases O’Connell’s pianistic depth in tandem with Abate’s rich, bluesy tenor display. “Angelic” breezily honors the saxophonist’s daughter, while the closer, “Into Somewhere”, reestablishes Abate’s alto bop cred.

-Jeff Cebulski for New York City Jazz Record

REVIEW:

Some jazz musicians spend a lifetime refining a sound. After five decades of recording and performing with various ensembles, Greg Abate is determined not only to continue mastering his vibe but keep pushing its possibilities forward. On In the Moment, his latest Summit Records release by the Greg Abate Quartet, the veteran saxophonist and flutist surrounds himself with pianist Bill O’Connell, bassist Harvie S and drummer Steve Johns, a tightly knit unit whose collective chemistry seems to draw fresh dynamics from his playing as he enters yet another phase of his relentlessly exploratory musical journey…