ALBUM RELEASE: The Greg Abate Quartet “In the Moment” (SUMMIT)

Capturing the energy of his previous release on Summit (“Positive Energy”), this recording is a super-charged, diverse flow of energetic, original jazz that never lets the listener down.

• REALIZATION (Living the Dash) came on September 11, 2001, as a response to the day the Twin Towers were destroyed. The subtitle reflects the dash between birth and death–the span of our lives.
• THE LITTLE MEN was written in early 2001 and recorded on Evolution for my two sons. Watching them grow into adulthood has been one of life’s greatest joys.
• ALL OR NOTHIN’ was written in the time of Covid being leary of a resurgence in back to normal life as in live gigs and touring and in person lessons and classes and a sense of not giving up. I would just go ahead with a positive attitude.
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  KERRY’S SONG is dedicated to my loving partner. Kerry always a source of support, inspiration, and love. This new composition celebrates her beauty, strength, and the success of her own business.
• 
  BLACK SEA , written by Pianist Bill O’Connell lends a vibe of high intensity and different personality holding a great melody and harmonic sequence. He told me that he thought it had a vibe like Wayne Shorter’s tune “Black Nile” hence “Black Sea”.
• 
  IN THE MOMENT was composed during the COVID pandemic
  in my studio, where I found solace at the piano. It reflects the somber, contemplative mood of a world paused, and the longing for live music to return.
• 
  CCA is a reharmonized shuffle blues that honors my late father, Charles Carmine Abate, whose encouragement shaped my career. His suggestion to gig at a jazz club in Hartford, CT, opened doors to new venues and influential musicians.
• 
  ANGELIC honors my daughter, Jessica, whose grace, talent, and spirit fill me with pride… it is a celebration of her essence. She has it all!
• 
  INTO SOMEWHERE is a contrafact on the chord changes of Out Of Nowhere!