June 23, 2015

Listen to the title track from Motif by the Greg Abate Quartet featuring Berklee faculty members Tim Ray, John Lockwood, and Mark Walker, out now on Whaling City Sound Records.

After graduating Berklee, jazz saxophonist, flautist and composer Greg Abate '71 played lead alto in the Ray Charles Orchestra for two years in the early '70s. In 1978, he formed the group Channel One, and later played tenor sax in the Revived Artie Shaw Orchestra directed by Dick Johnson.

Abate has since ventured out as a soloist and composer in post bop, Latin and modern styles, performing jazz festivals and clubs worldwide, and since 1991 has released over 16 albums. "Berklee gave me the musical tools and foundation to become a jazz artist and educator," said Abate, who is also an adjunct professor of jazz studies at Rhode Island College.

The Greg Abate Quintet featuring Phil Woods Live At Chans, a double CD, will be released this fall from a concert at Chans in Rhode Island slated for October 3, and Abate is currently planning tours throughout the U.S. and U.K.