On his new Whaling City Sound disc, Motif, hornman Greg Abate presents Exhibit A to prove he belongs near the top of the list when the subject is today’s top saxophonists. On alto, soprano and baritone, Abate demonstrates scorching flair as notes flow organically, with immense personality and passion. It helps to have a sublime trio watching his back - Tim Ray (piano), John Lockwood (bass) and Mark Walker (drums) - to keep Greg moving ever forward. With a finger-snapping, toe-tapping propensity for up-tempo, almost athletic rhythms, Abate gives his all on Motif.
