DYJO and Greg Abate



The Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra is comprised of the best of Devon's young jazz musicians, and is split into two separate bands. DYJO2, under the direction of Brian Moore, is the younger of the two bands, and is focused on the essentials of big band playing: ensemble skills in swing, and the fundamentals of jazz soloing. DYJO1, with Graham Hutton, is the senior band, and aims to stretch the players' skills in all directions in a wide range of repertoire. The bands perform at numerous venues every year throughout Devon, but are always delighted to return to the Teignmouth Jazz Festival!
Greg Abate jazz saxophonist, flutist, composer continues as an International Jazz/Recording Artist with 150 days a year touring the globe. In the mid 70’s after finishing a four year program at Berklee College Of Music, Greg played lead alto for the Ray Charles Orchestra for 2 years. In the 1980's Greg ventured out as post hard bop soloist playing Jazz Festivals, Jazz Societies and Jazz Clubs throughout the U.S. Canada and abroad, including most of Europe, UK, and Moscow and Georgia Russia. Greg is also an adjunct professor of Jazz Studies at Rhode Island College and is also a very active jazz educator known well to us in Teignmouth

“Greg Abate is an absolute powerhouse who will absolutely not let hard driving bebop die. One of the most exciting players around today, Greg’s commitment to the music is total…” –W. Pickowitz, Jr., The Jazz Messenger is no stranger to Teignmouth as both musician and educator.