Greg Abate (alto sax); Dean Stockdale (piano); Andy Champion (double bass); Abbie Finn (drums)
Storm Bert did its best to disrupt East Coast Main Line trains. All things considered, Greg Abate did well to make it in good time to Hexham. A first visit to the Northumberland market town, our American alto saxophonist remarked that he should, perhaps, make time to take a look round Hexham Abbey.
The man from Woonsocket, Rhode Island renewed acquaintance with the Dean Stockdale Trio. Opting to play two sets of tried and tested numbers, Abate hit the ground running with On Green Dolphin Street. Working with a top flight regional rhythm section must be reassuring for a visiting star, safe in the knowledge that anything thrown at the trio - Dean Stockdale, piano, Andy Champion, Abbie Finn, drums - wouldn't be a problem.
Problem?! Ha! These guys are capable of handling anything. What's more, Dean, Andy and Abbie frequently seized the opportunity to solo at length. Greg's fluency is that of a master at work: melodicism, invention, judicious placement of quotes etc.
Bird, H. Mobley, Ellington, a veritable mixed bag, and all the better for it. Highlights came thick and fast. The Eternal Triangle (Sonny Stitt) perhaps the pick of them. Russell
Set list: On Green Dolphin Street; Willow Weep for Me; Yardbird Suite; Easy Living; Stompin' at the Savoy; Confirmation; Satin Doll; This I Dig of You; Body and Soul; The Eternal Triangle; All the Things You Are.
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