Rabbit Hole Sessions with Abe Ovadia

EPISODE 157 - Nat Reeves

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 Ridge. His musical journey—from early days in Virginia, learning by ear, to establishing himself in New York's jazz scene—reflects a lifelong dedication to groove, sound, and artistic growth. As both a performer and educator, Reeves continues to inspire with his profound musicality and unwavering commitment to the jazz tradition.
 

EPISODE 156 - Jason Tiemann

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 Mabern. He serves on the jazz faculty at the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz (University of Hartford) and has been a longtime clinician at the Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshops. Tiemann proudly endorses Yamaha drums, Remo drumheads, and Innovative Percussion sticks and brushes.

EPISODE 155 - Alex Collins

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-topping album Weather or Not (2017) and Our People (2019). A recipient of the prestigious Wynton Kelly Jazz Foundation Award for Jazz Achievement in 2003, Alex continues to make his mark on the contemporary jazz scene with both power and finesse.

EPISODE 154 - Lewis Porter

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, he has worked with Terri Lyne Carrington, Dave Liebman, Vijay Iyer, and many others, appearing on 38 albums. Porter is also the acclaimed author of John Coltrane: His Life and Music and numerous other influential books on jazz. He is also currently the author of Playback with Lewis Porter! on Substack.

EPISODE 153 - Szymon Mika

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 inspiring as his playing. Tune in as we explore his musical voice, his creative process, and what makes him one of the most exciting guitarists of his generation.

EPISODE 152 - Jon Gordon

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 festivals and venues worldwide. His critically acclaimed recordings continue to push boundaries, with a new album, 7th Ave South released in May 2024.

EPISODE 151 - Greg Glassman

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 Mac—and holds down one of the city’s longest-running residencies at Cellar Dog, previously Fat Cat. With a deep discography and a passion for mentorship, Greg’s voice on the trumpet is both rooted and refreshingly bold.

EPISODE 150 - Greg Lewis

 
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 collaborations with Cindy Blackman and Sweet Georgia Brown, Greg is redefining what it means to be an “organ monk” in the 21st century.
 

EPISODE 149 - Michael Kanan

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 innovation. His journey is one of quiet mastery and unwavering dedication to the art of jazz.
 

EPISODE 148 - Clovis Nicolas

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 Records and contributions to socially-driven projects like The Healing Project. His artistry is as thoughtful as it is powerful—both on stage and beyond.