Greg Abate: Road to Forever

Greg Abate brings his alto sax, flute, soprano and tenor sax in front of pianist/keyboardist Tim Ray’s trio of John Lockwood/b and Mark Walker/dr for ten hip boppers. On soprano, the hip bass line and keyboards make “Road to Forever” a sleek delight and  his soft flute is sweet on the impressionistic “Seasons.” He bops with dexterity with his tenor on the nimble “City of 2-5s” while the team sounds like they’re revisiting John Coltrane’s “Mr. PC” on the frenetic “Take the Crowell Train.” A fitting tribute to an alto master is delivered on a warm and gentle “Farewell Phil Woods” and some funky soul feels like vintage CTI days on “ Whaling City Sound.” Contemporary, vintage and swinging!

www.whalingcitysound.com