THE GREG ABATE QUARTET

POSITIVE ENERGY

Summit Records

Greg Abate, alto saxophone/composer; John Rangel, piano/composer; Terry Burns, bass; David Post, drums.

In a world that is bombarded by negativity in the headlines, on the television, blasted across our computers and emailed to us on our phones, it is comforting to see an album titled, “Positive Energy.”  The Greg Abate Quartet put a smile on my face and a bop to my step!

A collaboration of seasoned jazz musicians and old friends is bound to please the ear.  Greg Abate has been making his yearly pilgrimage to New Mexico collaborating with John Rangel on piano for the last sixteen years. When COVID marched uninvited into our lives, Abate began composing like crazy, just to stay focused and involved with the music. Americans experienced a lot of ‘down’ time during that pandemic.  Abate made the best of the lockdown.  He got busy composing.

“Positive Energy” comes busting out of my Listening Room speakers like the Eagles at the 2025 Super Bowl.  This quartet swings hard and non-stop.  Abate’s alto saxophone dances all over the tenacious rhythm section. This tune is on fire!  When John Rangel steps into the spotlight, he matches the dynamics that Abate brought to the session. David Post pushes the tune ahead like a steamroller.  Terry Burns soaks up the spotlight on double bass, offering us his own improvisational ideas with technical skills that shine. During the trading of fours, Post takes the opportunity to showcase his own percussive powers.

Greg Abate is another one of those musicians who call Berklee College of Music in Boston a second home.  He grew up in Woonsocket, Rhode Island and began playing clarinet in the fifth grade. Abate is competent in flute, saxophone, composition and arranging.  He has contributed seven originals to this album, including the stunning album title.

Rangel has written the second track, “Monkism” which of course is a tribute to Thelonious Monk. It slows the pace a bit, but not the energy.  Even a moderately paced arrangement played by this quartet brings excitement and joy to the ear. I love the low tones spewing from Abate’s saxophone.  Terry Burns walks his bass with determination, sometimes adding a Latin flair to the arrangement.  Rangel plays with extraordinary excitement during his solo. I like the mood changes in this tune.

There are lots of original tribute songs included in this project like “Song for My Brother” by Abate and composed to tribute his brother Charles C Abate Jr., with Rangel writing a tune to celebrate Percy Heath titled “Little Bird.”  Heath, the saxophonist, died Jan 19, 2020.  His brother “Tootie” (the drummer) passed April 3, 2024.  A composition titled “J.A.G” was written for Abates three children: Jessica, Anthony and Gregory.  His “Hazy Moon” composition is a jazz waltz titled by Abate’s longtime partner, Kerry about an evening they spent cuddled up and staring at the sky.

This is an amazing album full of bebop, sambas, waltzes and originality. Each musician adds expert talent and innovation to every arrangement.  The music reflects the awesome New Mexico jazz scene and the dynamic composer talents of Greg Abate and John Rangel.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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