Greg Abate with Tad Newton's Jazz Friends

Greg Abate is playing at Milton Keynes Theatre on Sunday 1 November, performing with Tad Newton's Jazz Friends. It's a Sunday afternoon slot, so if you're usually tied up on weeknights, this one sits in a bit of a different pocket of the weekend.

For those who aren't already familiar, Abate is a saxophonist, and the bill puts him front and centre. He's joined by Tad Newton's Jazz Friends, so you've got the full ensemble behind him rather than a stripped-back trio or quartet. The name itself tells you the shape of the thing: jazz, played by a group that's built around Newton's band. It's the kind of line-up that works well in a theatre setting, with enough room for the soloing to stand out without losing the weight of the rhythm section.

It's a one-off date in Milton Keynes, so if you've been wanting to catch Abate live, this is the time to do it. The theatre is easy enough to get to, and the Sunday afternoon timing means you can make a day of it without having to worry about a late night on a working day. It's a good spot for a proper listen, too, rather than something you're trying to hear over a loud crowd in a pub.

The set starts at 12:30 on Sunday 1 November at Milton Keynes Theatre, with Greg Abate leading the way and Tad Newton's Jazz Friends filling out the sound.