Bop Lives!

AMG Review of Bop Lives!

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

With a title such as Bop Lives, it is a bit surprising to realize that there are actually no bop standards on this CD. However the playing by altoist Greg Abate (whose sound recalls Phil Woods and Richie Cole) is certainly in the bop tradition; he is a heated and frequently exciting improviser. Trumpeter Claudio Roditi is aboard for five of the nine selections and is a perfect frontline partner for Abate. Of the repertoire, three tunes are by the leader and there is one apiece from Roditi, pianist Kenny Barron (who leads a rhythm section also including bassist Rufus Reid and drummer Ben Riley), Mark Morganelli, Hank Mobley ("This I Dig Of You"), Thelonious Monk and Kurt Weill (a nearly 11-minute rendition of "Speak Low"). The well-rounded program features Greg Abate at his best and this uncomplicated but generally chancetaking bop set is easily recommended.