"Straight Ahead," released on January 1, 1993, by Greg Abate, is a captivating journey into the world of bebop and hard bop jazz. This album, featuring nine tracks, showcases Abate's virtuosity and deep understanding of the jazz tradition. With a total runtime of approximately 64 minutes, the album is a testament to Abate's skill as a saxophonist and his ability to captivate audiences with his music.
The album opens with the title track, "Straight Ahead," setting the tone for the rest of the record with its energetic and dynamic performance. Other standout tracks include "Kelly Blue," a soulful and melodic piece, and "Con Alma," a classic jazz standard that Abate interprets with his unique style. The album also features original compositions, such as "Denise Marie" and "2-22," which demonstrate Abate's compositional prowess.
"Straight Ahead" is a product of Abate's collaboration with the Candid label, which has a rich history of releasing high-quality jazz recordings. The album is a follow-up to Abate's well-regarded post-bop sessions and is a must-listen for fans of straight-ahead jazz. Abate's influence from longtime associate Phil Woods is evident in his playing, and his collaborations with other jazz legends further enrich his musical style.
The album's duration of 64 minutes and 37 seconds ensures that listeners are fully immersed in Abate's world of jazz, from the opening notes of "Straight Ahead" to the final chords of "It's All Right with Me." Whether you're a longtime fan of Greg Abate or a newcomer to his music, "Straight Ahead" is an album that will leave a lasting impression.