Composer

Saxofonist

Flutist

Greg, after playing with Ray Charles in California, and Diamond, after playing lead reed with the Frank Sinatra Jr. Orchestra, connected about 30 years ago while playing in the Duke Bellaire’s Jazz Orchestra. Quickly becoming friends, Greg told Diamond about his recurring dreams of lizards playing saxophones and did he think the two of them should form a duo. The Lizzardo Brothers was born! 

EPSG:4326

The Lizzardo Brothers

The Center at Eastman

Greg gives credit to two key turning points in his career - playing lead alto saxophone with the Ray Charles Orchestra in the mid 70’s, and a collaboration with the great Phil Woods as my guest on 2 recordings. However, it was a trip to Montreal from Boston in a blizzard that catapulted his early career, when one of only 7 people in the club that night opened opportuntities to NYC, producers at Candid Records, and his eventual recording at Birdland with James Williams, Rufus Reid, and Kenny Washington.

Greg Abate

Composer, Saxofonist, Flutist

Events

Upcoming events

Feb 2, 2025

Greg Abate · Josa Jazz

Past events

Apr 7, 2024

The Lizzardo Brothers · Josa Jazz

Jan 7, 2024

Greg Abate · Josa Jazz

About

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