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New podcast “Rabbit Hole Sessions with Abe Ovadia” is a podcast where jazz guitarist Abe Ovadia dives deep into the unexpected stories, techniques, and philosophies of music, exploring how creative paths unfold and intersect. Join Abe as he goes down the rabbit hole with fellow musicians and creative minds, uncovering insights and inspiration for musicians and enthusiasts alike.
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Hal Galper, born in Salem, Massachusetts, began his musical journey studying classical piano before shifting to jazz at Berklee College of Music in the mid-1950s. Immersing himself in the Boston jazz scene, he became the house pianist at several clubs and went on to perform with legends like Chet Baker, Stan Getz, and the Cannonball Adderley Quinte…
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Joe Strasser is a one-of-a-kind jazz drummer known for his distinctive sound, deep musicality, and rock-solid time. A cornerstone of the New York City jazz scene, Strasser’s playing can be heard on standout recordings like Up In Smoke and Still Smokin’ with Ian Hendrickson-Smith, and In Orbit with Planet Jazz. Drawing inspiration from masters like …
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Pat Bianchi is a Grammy-nominated jazz organist known for pushing the boundaries of the Hammond B-3 while honoring its rich tradition. Mentored by legends Dr. Lonnie Smith and Joey DeFrancesco, Bianchi has developed a unique voice that blends deep roots with a forward-looking approach. As a leader, he has toured extensively across the U.S. and Euro…
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Grant Stewart, a Toronto-born tenor saxophonist, moved to New York City in the 1990s, studying with jazz masters like Donald Byrd and Barry Harris. Known for his powerful sound and deep command of the jazz tradition, Stewart has performed internationally with legends including Jimmy Cobb, Harold Mabern, Clark Terry, and Renee Fleming. He has releas…
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Today on the podcast, I’m joined by trombonist, composer, and educator David Gibson. A driving force on the New York jazz scene, David has performed with legends like Slide Hampton, Roy Hargrove, and Jimmy Heath, and has released seven acclaimed albums as a bandleader. His compositions and arrangements have been featured by the GRAMMY-nominated Cap…
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Today on the podcast, I’m joined by drummer Andrew Kushnir. Originally from Montreal, Andrew discovered the drums at age 17 and quickly immersed himself in the city’s jazz scene. After studying at Berklee and earning his master’s from NYU, he became a fixture in New York’s jazz community. Whether leading his own groups or playing alongside artists …
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Today on the podcast, I’m joined by saxophonist and educator Ryan Devlin. A Florida native, Ryan grew up immersed in music, learning from his father Scott Devlin, leader of the Walt Disney World Sax Quartet. After earning his master’s in Jazz Performance from the New England Conservatory, Ryan has gone on to perform across North America and share t…
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On this episode, we’re joined by Elias Haslanger—a powerhouse saxophonist, composer, and bandleader who’s been a major force in the jazz world for over 30 years. Based in Austin, Texas, Elias has shared the stage with legends like Ellis Marsalis, Maynard Ferguson, and The Temptations, while earning comparisons to Coltrane and Rollins. From top-char…
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On today’s episode, we sit down with drummer, bandleader, and arranger Evan Sherman—a dynamic force in jazz who’s performed with legends like Ron Carter, Wynton Marsalis, and Samara Joy. A New Jersey native, Evan began gigging professionally at 13 and has since lit up stages around the world, from the Village Vanguard to Tchaikovsky Hall. Whether l…
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Bassist and composer Peter Slavov is a major force in today’s jazz world, known for his versatility, lyricism, and global reach. A native of Bulgaria and graduate of Berklee College of Music, Peter has performed in over 40 countries with legends like Joe Lovano, Quincy Jones, Danilo Perez, and Chucho Valdés. He’s a longtime member of Lovano’s Us Fi…
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A fixture of the New York jazz scene, guitarist and composer Saul Rubin is known for his soulful playing and deep musicality. A graduate of the Hartt School of Music, he studied under Jackie McLean and has since performed with legends like Sonny Rollins, Roy Hargrove, and many others. Saul is also a dedicated curator and producer—founder of Zeb’s p…
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Ryan Berg, a Minneapolis native, is a versatile bassist and educator now based in New York City. With a dynamic career spanning jazz, smooth jazz, R&B, world music, country, and Broadway, Ryan has performed in hit shows like Jersey Boys, Summer, The Music Man, and Hadestown. He’s collaborated with legendary artists across genres, including Roy Harg…
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Pianist Orrin Evans has built a career defined by fearless exploration and boundless creativity, a journey that began with his 1996 debut Just In Time and continues with his 20th release, Magic of Now. Captured live at Smoke Jazz Club, the album features a powerhouse quartet—including Bill Stewart, Vicente Archer, and Immanuel Wilkins—delivering sp…
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Nat Reeves is a master bassist whose dynamic, deeply supportive playing has been a cornerstone of the jazz world for over 40 years. A longtime collaborator with legends like Jackie McLean, Pharoh Sanders, Harold Mabern and Kenny Garrett, Reeves has also made his mark as a bandleader with acclaimed recordings such as State of Emergency and Blue Ridg…
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Jason Tiemann is a highly regarded jazz drummer based in New York City, known for his crisp technique, deep historical knowledge, and intuitive swing. Influenced by legends like Philly Joe Jones, Tony Williams, and Elvin Jones, he has forged a distinct voice on the scene, performing with artists such as Benny Golson, David Liebman, and Harold Maber…
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Alex Collins is a dynamic pianist, composer, and arranger based in New York City. Known for his versatility and deep musicality, Alex has performed with a wide range of celebrated artists, including Michelle Coltrane, Lenny White, Lonnie Plaxico, Ronnie Burrage, and the legendary Dizzy Gillespie All-Stars. He was featured on Gerry Gibbs’ chart-topp…
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Lewis Porter is a renowned jazz pianist, composer, and scholar, known for founding the world’s first Master’s Program in Jazz History and Research at Rutgers University. He holds advanced degrees in psychology, counseling, music theory, and musicology, and has taught at institutions including Tufts, Brandeis, NYU, and The New School. As a performer…
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On this episode, we’re joined by the extraordinary Szymon Mika — a guitarist whose melodic phrasing, technical brilliance, and emotional depth have captivated legends like Peter Bernstein and Lage Lund. From winning major international competitions to performing alongside jazz greats like Avishai Cohen and Joshua Redman, Szymon’s journey is as insp…
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Our guest today is saxophonist and composer Jon Gordon, a native New Yorker whose career spans decades of remarkable collaborations and accolades—including winning the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition. With credits alongside legends like Phil Woods, Maria Schneider, Aretha Franklin, and Jimmy Cobb, Jon has performed at major…
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Welcome to Rabbit Hole Sessions, where we explore the lives of today’s most vibrant jazz artists. Our guest is trumpeter Greg Glassman, a Brooklyn native and longtime fixture of the New York City jazz scene. A student of greats like Marcus Belgrave and Clark Terry, Greg has toured the world with a wide range of projects—from Burning Spear to Taylor…
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Today’s guest is Greg Lewis, a powerhouse keyboardist and organist rooted in New York City’s vibrant jazz, blues, and funk scenes. A master of the Hammond B3, Greg brings his singular voice to the music of Thelonious Monk on his acclaimed debut Organ Monk. With deep influences ranging from Larry Young to Sly Stone, and a résumé that includes collab…
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Today’s guest is pianist Michael Kanan, a Boston native whose lyrical touch and deep roots in the jazz tradition have made him a sought-after accompanist and bandleader. From touring the world with the legendary Jimmy Scott and Jane Monheit to recording with Kurt Rosenwinkel and leading his own trio, Michael’s career bridges tradition and innovatio…
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Joining us is Clovis Nicolas, a French bassist originally from the Ivory Coast whose career has taken him from philosophy studies to sharing the stage with legends like Brad Mehldau and Herbie Hancock. A Juilliard alum and Ron Carter protégé, Clovis has become a vital presence on the New York jazz scene, with acclaimed recordings on Sunnyside Recor…
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Join us for a continued conversation with the phenomenal bassist Mike Boone!By rabbitholesessions
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On this episode of Rabbit Hole Sessions, I’m joined by drummer Dan Aran — one of the most versatile and sought-after drummers on the New York jazz scene. Over the past two decades, Dan has performed and recorded with a wide range of artists including Natalie Merchant, Stacey Kent, and Itai Kriss’s TELAVANA, showcasing his ability to navigate everyt…
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Ralph Alessi — an ECM recording artist, visionary trumpeter, composer, and educator whose work bridges classical precision and avant-garde exploration. With roots in a deeply musical family and a career that’s included collaborations with artists like Steve Coleman, Ravi Coltrane, and Fred Hersch, Ralph has carved out a singular voice in contempora…
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I’m joined by legendary drummer Bill Goodwin — a cornerstone of the jazz world for over six decades. From launching his career with Charles Lloyd at 17 to a 40-year Grammy-winning collaboration with Phil Woods, Bill's journey reads like a who's who of jazz history. He’s played with everyone from Bill Evans and Dexter Gordon to Tom Waits and The Man…
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On this episode of Rabbit Hole Sessions, I’m joined by pianist and composer Greg Murphy — a Chicago native who’s been a vital force in the New York jazz scene since the 1980s. Best known for his 22-year collaboration with the legendary Rashied Ali, Greg's career spans decades and continents, including performances with jazz giants like Wynton Marsa…
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On this episode of Rabbit Hole Sessions, I'm joined by Tim Brey — a phenomenal pianist, composer, and educator based in Philadelphia. Known for his dynamic work as a bandleader, sideman, and solo artist, Tim has performed with legends like Terell Stafford, Renée Fleming, Peter Bernstein, and Samara Joy. We talk about his third studio album News, hi…
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Today, we’re joined by Peter Lin—a powerhouse trombonist, producer, and educator shaping the New York and New Jersey jazz scenes. A Taiwanese-American artist, Peter has shared the stage with legends like Ron Carter, Slide Hampton, Winard Harper, and JD Allen, performing at top venues like Carnegie Hall, NJPAC, Blue Note, and Birdland. Beyond perfor…
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Today, we’re diving into the mind of Brad Shepik—a guitarist, composer, and educator whose music seamlessly blends jazz with world influences. With a career spanning over three decades, Brad has played with legends like Paul Motian, Dave Douglas, Carla Bley, and Charlie Haden, appearing on over 70 recordings as both a leader and sideman. From his e…
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Today, we have a true staple of the New York jazz scene—Michael "Spike" Wilner. A pianist, bandleader, and longtime owner of Mezzrow and Smalls Jazz Club. From steady gigs at now-legendary clubs like The Village Gate to his ongoing performances at Smalls, Spike has lived and breathed the jazz life in its purest form.…
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Today, we’re sitting down with Jordan Young, a powerhouse drummer whose dynamic approach bridges the tradition of jazz with fresh, modern influences. A Detroit native, Jordan cut his teeth playing everything from rock and metal to jazz before diving deep into the art of swing. His journey has taken him from the University of Michigan to Juilliard, …
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Today’s guest is legendary bassist and educator Mike Boone, a cornerstone of the Philadelphia jazz scene. Born in New York City, Mike studied at Eastman and toured with Ben Vereen and the Buddy Rich Big Band before settling in Philly, where he played with icons like Trudy Pitts and Shirley Scott. He spent over 16 years as part of the iconic house t…
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Today, we’re joined by James Burton III, a powerhouse trombonist and dedicated educator who has shaped the jazz scene both on and off the stage. A former pre-med student turned Juilliard faculty member, James’ journey took a sharp turn at 14 when he first heard John Coltrane’s Blue Train—a moment that set him on a lifelong path in jazz. He’s worked…
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Today, we’re joined by one of the most exciting drummers in jazz today—Jimmy Macbride. Named one of Downbeat’s “25 for the Future,” Jimmy has become a highly sought-after sideman, known for his musicality, versatility, and dynamic touch behind the kit. Since moving to New York in 2009, he’s worked with legends like Terence Blanchard, Kurt Rosenwink…
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Today, we’re joined by Benny Benack III—a rare talent who’s making waves as both a trumpeter and vocalist. With a fiery command of postbop trumpet and a crooner’s charm, he’s been recognized as Rising Star Male Vocalist in the 2025 Downbeat Readers Poll while also ranking among the top jazz trumpeters. Benny has performed worldwide, gone viral with…
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Today, we’re joined by the extraordinary Thana Alexa, a Grammy-nominated vocalist, composer, arranger, and producer whose music defies boundaries. Known for her innovative approach, Thana seamlessly blends jazz with contemporary soul and world influences, using her voice as both a lyrical and experimental instrument. Her 2x Grammy-nominated album O…
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Dive into the world of an unsung saxophone hero—Ned Goold! From his unique approach to jazz to his deep musical philosophy, this episode sheds light on his incredible contributions to the scene. Don't miss it! 🎶🔥By rabbitholesessions
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Today, we’re joined by bassist Peter Brendler, a dynamic musician whose versatility spans upright and electric bass. A Baltimore native, Peter honed his craft at Berklee College of Music—where he graduated Magna Cum Laude—and later earned his master’s degree from Manhattan School of Music. He has worked with jazz greats like John Abercrombie, Victo…
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Legendary saxophonist Frank Catalano has been lighting up stages across the world with his powerhouse performances and signature sound. With over 150 shows a year, from sold-out venues to major festivals, Frank’s influence in jazz and beyond is undeniable. Whether tearing through an electrifying solo at The Hollywood Bowl or crafting a top-charting…
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Today, we’re joined by the incredible jazz guitarist John Hart, a true master of modern mainstream jazz. A longtime fixture on the New York scene, John has released eight albums as a leader on Blue Note and Concord and has appeared on over 100 recordings as a sideman, including a 16-year tenure with organist Jack McDuff. He’s performed with legends…
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Today, we’re honored to welcome Kim Perlak, an innovative guitarist whose work bridges classical, jazz, and American traditions. As Chair of the Guitar Department at Berklee College of Music, Kim has shaped modern guitar education while leading impactful projects like the Veterans Guitar Project and co-authoring Classical Technique for the Modern G…
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Today, we’re diving into the world of pianist and composer Randy Ingram, a true modern jazz visionary. Hailed as 'a formidable composer' by The San Francisco Chronicle, Randy has worked with some of the greatest musicians in jazz, from John Patitucci and Jeff Tain Watts to Ari Hoenig and Billy Higgins. His latest album, Aries Dance, featuring Billy…
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Today, we’re diving into the world of pianist and composer Randy Ingram, a true modern jazz visionary. Hailed as 'a formidable composer' by The San Francisco Chronicle, Randy has worked with some of the greatest musicians in jazz, from John Patitucci and Jeff Tain Watts to Ari Hoenig and Billy Higgins. His latest album, Aries Dance, featuring Billy…
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Today, we’re honored to have the legendary saxophonist, composer, and educator Bobby Watson. With a career spanning decades, Bobby has released over 40 albums as a leader and appeared on more than 100 recordings. From his GRAMMY-nominated Tailor Made to his celebrated work with Smoke Sessions Records, his music is deeply rooted in jazz history. As …
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Today, we’re joined by the powerhouse tenor saxophonist and composer, Ken Fowser. Since arriving in New York in 2005, Ken has carved out a unique voice in jazz, blending traditional harmony with fresh, contemporary ideas. He’s worked with legends like David Hazeltine, Ugonna Okegwo, and Willie Jones III, and his debut album, Standing Tall, topped t…
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Today, we’re sitting down with the multi-talented Wayne Tucker—trumpeter, composer, arranger, violinist, vocalist, actor, and model. Wayne has toured and recorded with legends across genres, from jazz greats like Kurt Elling and Dee Dee Bridgewater to pop icons like Taylor Swift and David Crosby. His band, The Bad Mothas, brings a fresh, high-energ…
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Today, we have the incredible Stacy Dillard, a powerhouse saxophonist making waves in the jazz world. After studying at Central State University, a chance encounter with Wynton Marsalis led him to New York, where he quickly became an in-demand player. With four albums as a leader and over fifty as a sideman, Stacy has worked with jazz greats like C…
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Today, we’re diving deep into the world of one of the most exciting young voices on the double bass—Felix Moseholm. Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, Felix started on the cello before making the switch to bass, following in the footsteps of his granduncle, Erik Moseholm. Since then, he’s worked with jazz greats like Samara Joy, Brad Mehldau, and Wynton …
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