Jazz Club - November

East Grinstead Jazz Club is delighted to welcome International Jazz Saxophonist Flutist Composer Educator Greg AbateKeeping the Flame of Bebop Burning Around the World
For more than four decades, Greg Abate has been recognized as one of the foremost interpreters of the bebop tradition. His unmistakable sound, commanding technique, and joyful creativity have earned him an international reputation as one of today’s leading jazz saxophonists.
A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Greg began his professional career with the Ray Charles Orchestra before embarking on a lifelong journey as a recording artist, composer, educator, and bandleader. Since then, he has performed in major jazz clubs, festivals, concert halls, universities, and performing arts centers throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and beyond.
Equally fluent on alto and soprano saxophones, tenor saxophone, and flute, Greg’s music reflects the spirit of Charlie Parker, Sonny Stitt, Phil Woods, and the great bebop masters while speaking with a voice that is unmistakably his own. His performances combine dazzling improvisation, lyrical expression, technical brilliance, and a deep sense of swing that captivates audiences wherever he appears.
Greg has released more than 27 acclaimed recordings as a leader and has collaborated with many of jazz’s most respected musicians, including Kenny Barron, Rufus Reid, Billy Hart, George Mraz, Claudio Roditi, James Williams, Harvie S, Bill O’Connell, Steve Johns, and many others.
His contributions to jazz have earned him induction into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame, and he has been recognized multiple times in the DownBeat Readers Poll among the world’s leading alto saxophonists.
Beyond the concert stage, Greg is a passionate educator whose masterclasses, clinics, and artist residencies have inspired students around the world. His ability to communicate the language of jazz with enthusiasm and clarity has made him a sought-after guest artist at universities and educational festivals.
Whether leading his own quartet, appearing with a big band, presenting a masterclass, or performing as a featured guest artist, Greg Abate brings extraordinary musicianship, professionalism, and a lifetime of experience to every engagement.
More than anything, Greg Abate is a storyteller. Through every solo and every performance, he honors the rich tradition of jazz while continuing to shape its future with imagination, authenticity, and unmistakable swing.
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Selected Career HighlightsBerklee College of Music graduate
Former member of the Ray Charles Orchestra
Inductee, Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame
Multiple-time DownBeat Readers Poll honoree
More than 20 recordings as a leader
International touring artist
Featured performer at festivals, clubs, universities, and concert series across North America and Europe
Internationally respected jazz educator and clinicianSelected Collaborators
Kenny Barron Billy Hart Rufus Reid George Mraz Claudio Roditi James Williams Phil Woods Harvie S Bill O’Connell Steve Johns Richie Cole Ben Riley Ray Drummond Kenny Washington