CONCERT CANCELLED: Jazz saxophonist Greg Abate performs at Spire Center Feb. 26

The Greg Abate concert scheduled to take place at The Spire Saturday has been cancelled for unforeseen circumstances. But his story is still interesting, so read on!

Jazz Saxophonist, flutist and composer Greg Abate has kept himself busy over the last 50 years.

He is on the road more often than at home, playing locally and globally 225 days a year. And when he’s not on the road, he’s most likely in the studio, where he’s recorded a total of 18 albums to date, including his 2004 release, “Evolution,” which garnered Grammy nominations in four categories, You might also find in him in the classroom at Rhode Island College, where he serves as an adjunct professor of jazz studies.

He’ll bring his years of musicianship to the Spire Center this Saturday evening, Feb. 26, where he will be joined on stage by a trio of musicians, pianist Ben Cook, bassist Todd Baker and drummer Gary Johnson.

His long career includes such highlights as playing lead alto for the Ray Charles Orchestra for two years after graduating from the Berkley College of Music in the ‘70s. He consistently ranks high for his music in the annual Downbeat International Critics Poll.

He formed his group Channel One in 1978 and would later play tenor sax with the revived Artie Shaw Orchestra before striking out on his own playing jazz festivals and clubs. His most recent album, "Gratitude," featuring the Tim Ray Trio, has received glowing reviews and a lot of international airplay.

He also continues to conduct workshops and master classes throughout the U.S. and abroad with the sponsorship of the Conn-Selmer Instrument Co.

5 questions

Ahead of his show, Abate answered a few questions about his own influences and upcoming plans.

You had an extensive touring schedule leading up to COVID. What did you do musically and otherwise during the period when touring wasn’t an option? 

I wrote lots of new music and did online gigs and interviews and taught online. I also arranged a new double recording for a September session . 

How has music from the ‘70s through the present influenced your playing style? 

I’ve had many, many influences and music and I played rhythm and blues, funk and fusion. Also, in 1973 and ’74, I played for Ray Charles Orchestra when I lived in Los Angeles. Plus, I was playing in a lot of cover bands before joining the Artie Shaw Orchestra, and I featured with local trios. My music in performance was mostly around American songbook, jazz standards, bebop and original music in that vein.

What other artists do you count as past and/or present favorites? Is there any song/songwriter outside the jazz genre that you enjoy which might surprise your audience? 

Phil Woods, Charlie Parker and Dexter Gordon, Sonny Stitt and Art Pepper were amongst my big influences. along with the great clarinet and saxophonist Dick Johnson, who was not only a mentor and friend but the leader of the revived Artie Shaw Orchestra. I used to like to listen to Sly and the family Stone along with Tower Of Power and other popular groups that I was drawn to because of the melody and the rhythm drive.

How has teaching music influenced your own approach to songwriting? What do you see students struggle with the most? 

Teaching music has been very helpful to me. To be able to teach also gives me the ability to learn. I’ve learned how to communicate with students, but the main problem with beginning and intermediate students with composition is to get a good balance with melody and chord progressions. It’s not easy, and it takes a lot of time and effort and longevity to develop a style.

What are your plans for the coming year?

I’m on the road right now, and I’m going to Wisconsin in the next month. I’ll be in Chicago and several days in California. In April and May, I do a lot of road touring and then I’ve got dates in New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, England and Wales. The whole year is pretty booked up. I’m working on a new recording April 9 I hope to be released in the next year.