Greg Abate Quartet

Jazz saxophonist and flutist Greg Abate brings his fiery bebop mastery to Black Cat for a weekend residency with an exceptional quartet. A Berklee-trained musician who performed with Ray Charles and the Artie Shaw Orchestra, Abate has earned recognition as one of the leading modern interpreters of the bebop tradition, ranking in the top 5 alto saxophonists in DownBeat's Readers Poll.

Abate's performances are high-energy affairs that capture the authentic spirit of Charlie Parker and hard bop giants. As one reviewer noted, he's "a bundle of irrepressible energy" who "instantly exudes a warm feeling" and connects with audiences from the moment he steps on stage. His fluid, rapid-fire solos bounce effortlessly between bebop standards and his own compositions, often weaving quotes from other tunes into his improvisations — hearing bits of "Let's Fall in Love" emerge during "Crazeology" or "Summertime" float through Joe Henderson's "Recorda-Me."

The quartet features Bay Area pianist Ben Stolorow, known for his introspective, lyrical trio work that blends classical influences with modern jazz sensibilities. Anchoring the rhythm section is premier bassist Essiet Okon Essiet, who served as Art Blakey's last bassist with the Jazz Messengers and has collaborated with everyone from Bobby Watson's Horizon to the Blue Note All-Stars. Deszon Claiborne completes the lineup on drums, bringing his extensive experience across jazz, blues, and world music.

Expect passionate, in-the-moment improvisation with no music stands between the musicians and audience — just pure bebop energy that builds throughout the evening as the quartet finds its collective groove. Abate seamlessly switches between alto sax and flute, creating both driving, adrenaline-fueled numbers and gentler, mellower moments. His original compositions like the 6/4 minor blues "On the Road" showcase his skills as both player and composer, while his interpretations of Parker classics reaffirm the enduring vitality of the bebop tradition.