Greg & Diamond
are performing
December 20th, 2026
Greg Abate & Diamond Centofanti
Greg Abate
“High-energy jazz doesn’t describe the full feeling of listening to hard bop saxophonist Greg Abate in live performance because so much intensity and idea-making fuels his music. But it comes close. Even his approach to ballads and sambas have that lilt. They start out breezy or laid-back, but they are certain to have their burning moments. Count on it.”
- Ken Franckling, Jazz Notes
“I sleep a lot better knowing there are alto saxophone players like Greg Abate.”
- Phil Woods
Diamond Centofanti
A prominent Rhode Island musician, Diamond is a multi-instrument talent in piano, tenor sax, alto sax, soprano sax, flute, clarinet, arrangements and reharms.
Having enjoyed a long career playing Jazz, Blues, and Rock on the southern New England scene as both a reed player and a keyboard player, he has played with many groups including Universal Rhundel, Ken Lyon & Tombstone and his own band, Diamond featuring Pat Loncar.
Diamond returns to the JOSA stage with some impressive guests. Notably, accomplished jazz and classical guitarist, Jack McNamara whose credits include performances with the Rhode Island Philharmonic and the Casino circuit for such acts as Don Rickles and Jay Leno. Also joining Diamond and completing the JOSA ensemble is Marty Ballou, best-described as Southern New England’s “first-call” bassist.
This combination of talent, Diamond’s warm. expressive woodwind voice, the harmonic colors of Jack’s guitar, and Marty’s deep grounding bass will make this performance both intimate and adventurous. Their pleasure in playing radiates with the audience, creating performances full of spontaneity, and playful interaction.
Marty Ballou - https://www.ripopmusic.org/musical-artists/musicians/marty-ballou/