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. ~ Scott Yanow