Rabbit Hole Sessions with Abe Ovadia

EPISODE 63 - Billy Test

Pennsylvania native Billy Test is a pianist, composer, arranger, and educator. Currently holding the piano chair in the Grammy award winning WDR Big Band in Köln, Germany, Billy splits his time between Europe and the United States, maintaining a busy schedule as a performer, composer, and educator.Billy’s piano playing blends the joys and sorrows of jazz and blues with the finesse and harmonic depth of classical music. His warm touch and clear tone can roar with excitement or sigh with woe. His improvisations are always in the moment, preferring to take risks and be daring rather than play it safe.Billy grew up in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, later relocating to the New York City area to follow his musical ambitions. During his time on the New York scene, he performed at Carnegie Hall, The Village Vanguard, JALC, Smalls, and Mezzrow with artists including, Dave Liebman, Miho Hazama, Joe Magnarelli, Rich Perry, Joel Frahm, Tony Moreno, Marc Mommaas, Ron Horton, Michael Feinberg, and the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. Beyond Manhattan, Billy has played venues including The Kennedy Center and Blues Alley in Washington, D.C., The Deer Head Inn in Delaware Water Gap, PA, and Chris’s Jazz Café in Philadelphia.
 
Billy has held the piano chair with the Grammy Award Winning WDR Big Band in Köln, Germany since September 2018. Playing under the direction of Chief Conductor Bob Mintzer and Composer in Residence Vince Mendoza, Billy has appeared on several WDR Recordings and radio/television broadcasts and performed with the band at a plethora of leading European jazz festivals, including the London Jazz Festival and the Berlin Jazz Festival. The WDR Big Band has played Test’s arrangements and compositions, and his abilities as a soloist have been extensively featured.Billy is an alumnus of William Paterson University, where he studied under the tutelage of Mulgrew Miller. He holds a master’s degree from Manhattan School of Music, where he studied under Jim McNeely and Phil Markowitz. Billy was a finalist in the 2019 American Pianists Awards, received second place in the 2017 Montreux Solo Piano Competition, and was a semi-finalist in the 2012 Nottingham Solo Piano Competition.  He is currently a faculty member at the Conservatorium Maastricht.

EPISODE 62 - Tony Romano

Guitarist Tony Romano has been a visible part of the New York City music scene for over twenty years. Just Jazz Guitar magazine wrote “His tone is beautiful and soulful, and his remarkable technique is a servant to his rich musical imagination and broad harmonic palette.” With a wide range of playing styles, Tony has toured worldwide and performed and recorded with many notable Jazz, Latin, Pop, and Broadway artists, including Randy Brecker, Joe Locke, Michael Feinstein, Bill Warfield, Steve LaSpina, Joe Bataan, Dave Valentin, Candido Camero, Chembo Corniel, Yomo Toro, Joel Frahm, Thomas Chapin, Brit Woodman, Santi DeBriano, Paul Bollenback, Stanley Jordan, Debbie Gibson, Kat Gang, Aimee Allen, François Moutin, Alex Gemignani, and Chuck Cooper. Tony’s guitar work can be heard on all 52 episodes of the BBC series 3rd & Bird as well as the Discovery Channel miniseries Going, Going, Gone! He has also performed for NPR broadcasts, and has appeared on NBC’s The Today Show, Telemundo, and the ABC Morning Show. Tony is an Adjunct Professor at Five Towns College, and has been a Teaching Artist for the Kupferberg Center at Queens College, as well as an instructor for the National Guitar Workshop.
 
 

EPISODE 61 - Tom Lippincott

Tom Lippincott8- and 6- string guitaristEight- and six-string guitarist Tom Lippincott was born in New Jersey and grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but has made South Florida his home since 1988. He has a bachelor's degree in jazz studies from the University of North Texas as well as a master's in jazz performance from the University of Miami.   Tom teaches jazz guitar at Florida International University and Broward College.  He also teaches lessons in person and online, conducts clinics and workshops, and has jazz guitar classes available through Mike’s Master Classes.As a longtime contributor to the South Florida jazz community, Tom has played and recorded extensively with many of the area’s musicians and bands. He has also performed throughout the world as both sideman and leader and has performed and/or recorded with jazz luminaries John Stowell, Jonathan Kreisberg, Ben Monder, Dave Liebman, Don Friedman, and Ed Schuller.  In addition to previous recordings such as his 2000 release Painting the Slow Train Brown, Tom has been featured as a performer and composer recently on David Fernandez’s Land, as well as the upcoming release from Rodolfo Zuniga’s band Surfaces with Strings featuring Camila Meza.  Tom has a new album of original compositions, Twenty Years Later, available on his website at tomlippincott.com.

EPISODE 60 - Nick Biello

Saxophonist/multi-instrumentalist and composer Nick Biello is developing a reputation as an exciting and artful musician.
Nick has shared the stage with world-class artists, such as Slide Hampton, Cedar Walton, the Jimmy Heath Big Band, Rich Perry, Phil Markowitz, Steve Davis, Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band, Clarence Penn, John Benitez, Henry Cole, Harvie S, Victor Bailey, Jaimoe Johnson and Butch Trucks of the Allman Brothers. He has performed at the Pescara and Bussi Jazz Festivals in Italy, as well as the Litchfield Jazz Festival, the New Haven Jazz Festival, and the Westchester Jazz Festival. Nick's saxophone has been heard at venues such as Birdland, Blue Note, Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola at Lincoln Center, Cellar Dog, The Iridium, B.B. King's, The House of Blues in Chicago, The Paramount Theater, The Birchmere Theater, Smalls, Smoke, Zinc Bar, The Kitano, Joe's Pub at the Public Theater, Bar Next Door, Rockwood Music Hall, Webster Theater, Infinity Hall, and Toad's Place.
Nick was accepted to the John F. Kennedy Center's prestigious "Betty Carter's Jazz Ahead" program in 2009. "Betty Carter" focuses on developing the compositional skills of participants through masterclasses and workshops. Its faculty boasts some of the most respected names in Jazz, such as Jason Moran, Ralph Peterson, and Mark Whitfield.
The Blue Note selected the Nick Biello Quartet to participate in their Thelonious Monk Emerging Artist Series in 2010. The series focused on young, upcoming talent in Jazz. The Quartet shared the stage with vibraphone legend Gary Burton. 
In 2014, Nick joined the Martin Schulte Quartet for a 2-week concert series in Seoul, Korea. Topping off the tour was a performance and masterclass for the German Consulate of Korea. 
Recently he was recognized for his prowess as a saxophonist and improviser by being named the winner of the Julius Keilwerth 2014 International Saxophone Idol Competition. Additionally, as part of being named the winner of the competition, Nick was afforded the opportunity to perform alongside the great Ernie Watts.
Nick has been recorded on hundreds of albums, from his own original projects to his work as a sideman for other artists. His debut album, "Vagabond Soul," released in 2017 on the  Truth Revolution Recording Collective, features Phil Markowitz, John Benitez, Clarence Penn, Paul Jones, Andrew Renfroe, and Vincent Lionti.  “Between Light and Shadow”, a collection of original compositions for the chordless trio format, will be released in May of 2024 on La Reserve Records and features Biello’s working trio of Alex Tremblay on bass and Peter Kronreif on drums.
In demand as a composer and arranger, Nicholas has written arrangements that have been performed by artists such as Stevie Wonder, Dave Koz, and Kelly Rowland. His work has been televised on networks such as ABC and ESPN, and heard in venues in Las Vegas, L.A., and New York City. He has worked with members of the famed Apollo Theater house band in music composition and production.
Nick has studied with Jackie McLean, Steve Wilson, George Garzone, Jon Gordon, and Phil Markowitz, and holds a Master of Music Degree from Manhattan School of Music.
With experience in an array of educational environments, Nick is available as a group clinician or as a private teacher. He teaches Saxophone at The New School and New Jersey City University, is the Artistic Director of the Blaine Harbor Music Festival in Washington, and teaches private students.
Nick is a D'addario Woodwinds Artist and uses D'addario reeds and accessories.

EPISODE 59 - Behn Gillece

Having spent many years deeply embedded in the vibrant jazz scenes of New York and Philadelphia, Behn Gillece has carved out a distinguished reputation as both a virtuosic vibraphonist and a prolific composer. Drawing inspiration from luminaries like Milt Jackson, Gary Burton and Bobby Hutcherson, Gillece has dedicated himself to pushing the boundaries of vibraphone artistry while leaving an indelible mark on the jazz landscape as a composer. Hailing from New Jersey, Gillece honed his craft through numerous performance opportunities in his home state and Philadelphia before making the leap to New York City in 2006. Since then, he has solidified his status as a sought-after sideman, as well as a formidable bandleader and recording artist.
His latest album, “Stick Together” (2024, Posi-Tone), is a testament to the powerof collaboration and synergy. Teaming up with esteemed musicians such as pianist Art Hirahara, bassist Boris Kozlov, and drummer Rudy Royston, Gillece crafts musical creations imbued with an undeniable sense of joy and ease.
From 2009 to 2013, Gillece co-led four transformative recordings on Posi-Tone with tenor saxophonist Ken Fowser, garnering international acclaim and extensive streaming and radio play. His albums as a leader— including “Mindset” (2015), “Dare To Be” (2016), “Walk Of Fire” (2017), “Parallel Universe” (2018), “Still Doing Our Thing” (2021), and “Between The Bars” (2023)— propelled him into the spotlight, earning him a 2018 Downbeat Rising Star award. Additionally, Gillece has lent his talents as a sideman to various acclaimed recordings, collaborating with artists such as Patrick Cornelius, Michael Dease, New Faces, Walt Weiskopf, Melody Gardot, Idle Hands, Out To Dinner, and Ensemble Novo.
Gillece’s performances have reached prestigious venues worldwide, including the Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, Kimmel Center, Smalls Jazz Club, Mezzrow, Jazz Standard, Side Door, Smoke Jazz Club, Fat Cat, Yoshi’s, Chris’ Jazz Cafe, as well as renowned festivals such as North Sea, Montreux, Nice, Molde, Ghent, Montreal, and Toronto festivals.
In addition to his robust performance life, Gillece also has a burgeoning career as a music educator. Gillece is a member of the faculty at Rowan University, where he teaches vibraphone, jazz ensemble, music theory, and online courses. In addition to the various workshops he has been asked to give at colleges and universities across the world, he has prepared over 700 lessons for online instruction on vibesworkshop.com, which benefits percussion students internationally.
A recipient of numerous accolades, including the 2018 Downbeat Rising Star Vibraphonist award, Gillece holds a master’s degree from SUNY Purchase and is endorsed by Malletech instruments. Other honors include the 2009 Betty Carter Jazz Ahead residency, winning the Generations competition in 2009, and winning the 2008 Jazz Improvisation competition at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention.
For more information on Behn Gillece, to purchase albums, or to view hisupcoming performance schedule, visit his website at behngillece.com.

EPISODE 58 - Steve Cardenas

Steve Cardenas began his musical career in Kansas City and has been an integral part of the New York City jazz community since 1995.
Steve has performed and recorded with many well-known and highly esteemed musicians. Notably, he was a longstanding member of the Paul Motian Electric Bebop Band, Charlie Haden Liberation Music Orchestra, the Steve Swallow Quintet, as well as Joey Baron's, Killer Joey. Steve is currently a member of the Ben Allison Band, John Patitucci Electric Guitar Quartet,  Jon Cowherd Mercy Project and Adam Nussbaum Lead Belly Project. He has also performed with such diverse artists as Claude "Fiddler" Williams, Paul McCandless, Madeleine Peyroux, Norah Jones, Eliane Elias and Marc Johnson. Steve has toured extensively throughout Europe, North and South America and Asia, performing at international music festivals, theaters and clubs. He also leads his own group and has released seven recordings as a leader. Healing Power - The Music Of Carla Bley is Steve's latest release, in an ongoing trio collaboration with Ben Allison and Ted Nash, on Sunnyside Records.
Steve is also a well-respected educator. He is on faculty at The New School For Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York City where he directs the Thelonious Monk Ensemble, Improv Ensemble and the Guitar Duos class, as well as offering individual lessons. He has also been on faculty at the California Institute of the Arts, Siena Summer Jazz Workshop, Begues Jazz Camp, Segunda Residencia Antonio Sánchez, Alternative Guitar Summit Camp, Brubeck Summer Jazz Colony, Stanford Jazz Workshop and Banff International Workshop in Jazz and Creative Music. 
Additionally, Steve is co-author, along with editor Don Sickler, of the Thelonious Monk Fakebook, Hal Leonard Publishing. The Thelonious Monk Fakebook marks the first time all of Monk's compositions have appeared in one volume, many of them appearing for the first time.

EPISODE 57 - Joe Albano

Joe Albano, a Boston native, began his musical journey at 14 under the guidance of saxophonist Ray DeNice. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Joe studied with jazz greats like George Garzone, Joe Lovano, and JoAnne Brackeen, as well as accomplished composers such as Greg Hopkins and Ken Pullig. Known for his eclectic improvisational style, Joe seamlessly blends jazz, rock, classical, and modern influences, combining technical mastery with raw emotional depth. His unique artistry continues to push boundaries across genres.
 

EPISODE 56 - Paul Deatherage

Paul Deatherage is an active performer and educator in the central Kentucky area. He regularly plays with the DiMartino / Osland Jazz Orchestra, the Osland / Dailey Jazztet, the Raleigh Dailey Trio, the Ross Whitaker Trio, the Walnut Street Ramblers, and Grupo LexiSamba.
Paul Deatherage is on faculty at the University of Kentucky as a drumset instructor, at Centre College as a percussion instructor, and is assistant director of percussion at Lafayette High School, a 23-time marching band state champion. He also maintains a private studio at Don Wilson Music, Lexington. He holds degrees from Tennessee Technological University (B.M. Music Education), and University of Kentucky (M.M. Percussion Performance).
Paul is a Zildjian artist and an Innovative Percussion artist.

EPISODE 55 - Devin Collins

Devin is a musician whose life has been shaped by music from the very beginning. By the time he was 12, after a few years of private study, he knew that music—specifically drumming—wasn’t just a hobby; it was his purpose. Over the years, his passion evolved into a sense of responsibility, driving him to pursue excellence. That dedication earned him a scholarship to Berklee College of Music, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. At Berklee, Devin not only worked with talented peers who pushed him to grow but also played in bands alongside his teachers, gaining real-world insight into what it means to be a professional musician.
Devin’s philosophy as a drummer is all about serving the music. Whether it’s holding down the groove, listening attentively to the needs of the band, or creating the perfect feel for a song, he always puts the music first. He’s equally comfortable keeping it simple or delivering “off-the-walls” drumming when the situation calls for it. Devin is a team player who understands the big picture of what the songwriter or band is trying to achieve.
Over the past six years, Devin has built an impressive career as a professional drummer. He’s performed across the Midwest, Northeast, and East Coast, and even taught and played in Taiwan. He’s collaborated with an incredible range of artists, including Reverend Kim Lesley, Chulo Gatewood, Timmy Cappello, Felix Pastorius, Lincoln Goines, and Meshell N’degeocello, among many others.
Currently based in Brooklyn, NY, Devin is a versatile freelance performer, bandleader, and producer, as well as a dedicated drum instructor. Whether you’re looking for a dynamic drummer for your next project or personalized drum lessons in your home, Devin is ready to bring his expertise and passion for music to the table.
Devin proudly uses Tama drums, Zildjian cymbals, Remo heads, Vic Firth sticks, DW pedals, and MONO cases. Get in touch to work with him!

EPISODE 54 - Ben Sher

With a deep passion for jazz and Brazilian music, Ben has made a significant impact in the world of music through performances, recordings, and teaching. As the leader of the Brazilian jazz group Tudo Bem, Ben has captivated audiences at renowned venues like the Blue Note in New York and Fukuoka, as well as clubs across Moscow, Switzerland, and Germany.
Ben’s career highlights include performing at prestigious festivals such as the Montreaux, North Sea, Istanbul, Marsala, and Bell Atlantic jazz festivals, often as a sideman with celebrated artists like Ute Lemper and Ballin' the Jack. His recording credits span collaborations with respected figures like Gunther Schuller, Yutaka Uchida, and the Boston Jazz Composer's Orchestra, showcasing his versatility across styles and genres.
Beyond the stage, Ben’s dedication to music education shines. With a unique teaching approach influenced by Brazilian rhythms and the Bill Leavitt method, he guides students in mastering the guitar and developing professional-level skills. His philosophy emphasizes understanding music holistically—reading, improvising, and interpreting chords with intelligence and creativity.
As a veteran musician, Ben’s ear training classes integrate diverse influences, from samba to jazz fusion, equipping students with the skills to recognize, transcribe, and perform a wide range of musical elements. His lifelong commitment to exploring the history and lineage of music inspires both his own artistry and the next generation of musicians.