...from the June issue of the "Los Angeles Jazz Scene"
review by Scott Yanow

Greg Abate
"Horace Is Here"
(Koko Jazz Records)

Best known as a bebop-based altoist, Greg Abate is also an excellent
tenor-saxophonist and flutist. Horace Is Here is a tribute to the music of
Horace Silver that is comprised of eight of Silver's tunes plus a pair of
Abate originals in the Silver style.

With fine contributions from trumpeter Claudio Roditi, pianist Hilton Ruiz,
bassist Marshall Wood and drummer Artie Cabral, Abate brings back the sound of
Silver's classic quintet without merely copying the past. While the
saxophonist emphasizes his tenor playing more than usual, he did not require
Ruiz to copy Silver's funky style and many of the vintage pieces are
modernized through reharmonization. So while the spirit of the classic Horace
Silver Quintet is felt and hinted at, these treatments have something of their
own to offer.

Among the best performances are "Filthy McNasty," "Nica's Dream," "Song For My
Father," a moody version of "Peace" and the boppish "Quicksilver."
Throughout, Abate, Roditi and Ruiz play inventive solos with Wood and Cabral
offering swinging support.

What's not to like? This date is easily recommended and available from
http://puppyjazz.com

Scott Yanow

Archived from group: rec>music>bluenote