Reviews

On Sunday the members of Newport Jazz Club were treated to a masterclass in the alto sax and flute with a top performance by American musician Greg Abate. When your star performer has a CV that includes stints with both the Ray Charles Orchestra as well as the Artie Shaw Orchestra you know you are in for a treat and Greg did not disappoint.

Opening with a hard driving rendition of the Miles Davis/Gil Evans number “Boplicity” the audience had just enough time to catch their collective breath before Greg moved into Charlie Parker’s “Yardbird suite”

Alternating between alto sax and flute, with strong back line support from Craig Milverton on piano, Sandy Suchodolski on bass and Dave Ingamells on drums, the performance was one of the best seen there this year and with regular visits to the UK then hopefully the club can arrange a return visit.

All performances were outstanding and it is impossible to pick one number that stands out above the rest but there must be a special mention for the beautifully sublime “Buddy’s Rendezvous” which was one of Greg’s own compositions.

The next concert will now be in the new year on Sunday 21st January 2018 when vocalist Nette Robinson makes a welcome return alongside sax man Tony Woods. Tickets are available from Bill Wills on 523879.