Who is Clay Greg Abate?
Greg Abate jazz saxophonist, flutist, composer continues as an International Jazz/Recording Artist with 225 days a year touring the globe.
In the mid 70’s after finishing a four year program at Berklee College of Music, Greg played lead alto for the Ray Charles Orchestra for 2 years.
In 1978 Greg formed his group Channel One which was a favorite in the New England area and from there had the opportunity to play tenor sax with the revived Artie Shaw Orchestra under leadership of Dick Johnson from 1986 to ’87.
Following this experience Greg ventured out as post hard bop soloist playing Jazz Festivals, Jazz Societies and Jazz Clubs throughout the U.S. Canada and abroad, including most of Europe, UK, and Moscow and Georgia Russia.
Greg’s newest release The Greg Abate Quintet features Phil Woods, Jesse Green, Evan Gregor and Bill Goodwin.
Greg is a true International artist and has been touring through South West Ohio twice a year for as many years as I can remember and I always make a point to catch him. This Thursday, October 10th Vectren Jazz & Beyond will partner with Cityfolk, to present their seventh event this season (more here) featuring Greg Abate and The Lee McKinney Trio in the Dayton Art Institute’sShaw Gothic Cloister from 5:30 to 8:00 pm. In addition to the Art Institute Greg will be at the Blue Wisp in Cincinnati two nights with the Phil DeGreg Trio, a jazz & arts brunch at Coco’s Bistro in Dayton and at Spinoza’s in Beavercreek playing the latter two again with the The Lee McKinney Trio.
Jazz Central Big Band with guest Ken McCoy
Last Thursday evening seventeen players from our general area and one very special guest assembled at Jazz Central to perform for a painfully small audience. They played a number of arrangements by Ken McCoy, formerly of the Jazz Ambassadors, that totally thrilled the listeners. I challenge you to find a three hour live performance anywhere for just $5 that can compare. It’s amazing to me those artists, who are among the best and aren’t even making gas money continue to show up. Listen to me, when I tell you, you’re missing something very good and it happens on the first (Jazz Central Big Band) and third (Generations Big Band) Thursdays each and every month. Same applies to Gillys or wherever – so much excellent entertainment going to waste so to speak. What I’d like to get across is if we want to continue having good jazz, we need to get out and support it when it’s available, you won’t be disappointed.
Jazz Calendar
Here are some (not all) of the upcoming jazz events for the next couple of weeks:
Today Wednesday, October 9 – The Dave DeWitt TRio with Randy Mather is at Natalie’s Coal Fired Pizza in Worthington, OH.
Thursday October 10 – The Dayton Art Institute presents their seventh Vectren Jazz & Beyond event featuring Greg Abate and The Lee McKinney Trio.
Friday October 11 – Greg Abate with the Phil DeGrge Trio is at the Blue Wisp and iBig Groove – Melodic Music for Piano , Bass and Drums with Kim Pensyl is at Washington Platform Saloon & Restaurant both in Cincinnati.
Saturday October 12 – Greg Abate with the Phil DeGrge Trio is at the Blue Wisp in Cincinnati and Randy Fankell and the Jazz Militia is at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dayton.
Sunday October 13 – Greg Abate and The Lee McKinney Trio is doing a jazz & arts brunch at Coco’s Bistro in Dayton.
Monday October 14 – Mark Flugge, Derek Dicenzo & Jimmy Castoe is at Due Amici in Columbus.
Tuesday October 15 – The Part St. Tavern Jazz Jam features Tony Hagood Quartet plus Pete Mills in Columbus.
Wednesday October 16 – the Eleven piece Different Hats Band is at the Dayton Event Connection and Blue Wisp Big Band performs in Cincinnati.
Thursday October 17 – The Generations Big Band returns to Jazz Central and Greg Abate and The Lee McKinney are at Spinoza’s in Beavercreek.
Friday October 18 – The Shaw Stanley Trio plays at Carvers Steaks & Chops in Centerville and JC & The Rowdy’s Blues Jam is at Jazz Central in Dayton.
Saturday October 19 – The Chris Barrick Quartet is at the Cincinnati Public Library Atrium in Cincinnati and the John Von Ohlen Trio is at Dee Felice in Covington, KY.
Sunday October 20 – The Jazz Jam Session with Kenny Baccus is at Jazz Central in Dayton and Bluesbent is at the Blue Wisp in Cincinnati.
Monday October 21 – The John Taylor Trio is at Brio Tuscan Grille in Beavercreek and Vaughn Wiester’s Famous Jazz Orchestra is at the Clintonville Woman’s Club in Columbus.
Tuesday October 22 – Tony Monaco is at the Rumba Café in Columbus and Jazz Cab continues at the Greenwich in Cincinnati.
More info and jazz listings can be found at JazzAdvocate.com
