Greg Abate
After graduating Berklee, jazz saxophonist, flutist, and composer Greg Abate ‘71 played lead alto saxophone 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 at jazz festivals and clubs worldwide, and since 1991 he has released more than 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. He continues to tour worldwide, frequently alongside Berklee faculty.
Listen to the title track from Motif, a Whaling City Sound Records release by the Greg Abate Quartet featuring Berklee faculty members Tim Ray, John Lockwood, and Mark Walker: