Rabbit Hole Sessions with Abe Ovadia

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.

EPISODE 147 - Mike Boone

Join us for a continued conversation with the phenomenal bassist Mike Boone!

EPISODE 146 - Dan Aran

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 everything from straight-ahead jazz to Latin and Middle Eastern grooves. We talk about his journey from Jerusalem to New York, his acclaimed debut Breathing, and his latest release New York Family, described by Downbeat as a “fascinating record.” Dan’s wide musical range and deep rhythmic sensitivity make this a conversation you won’t want to miss

EPISODE 145 - Ralph Alessi

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 contemporary jazz. We talk about his critically acclaimed ECM recordings, including Baida and his latest, It’s Always Now, as well as his upcoming 2025 release featuring his brother Joe Alessi. Ralph also shares insight into his approach to improvisation, both as a performer and educator shaping the next generation.
 

EPISODE 144 - Bill Goodwin

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 Manhattan Transfer, and continues to lead a dynamic trio performing at top venues across the East Coast. We dive into his storied career, producing legacy, and what keeps him inspired behind the kit.

EPISODE 143 - Greg Murphy

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 Marsalis, Ornette Coleman, and Christian McBride. From his early days in Chicago to recording with Carlos Santana in France and scoring an Oscar-nominated documentary, Greg brings a deep, multidimensional voice to the music. 

EPISODE 142 - Tim Brey

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, his evolving voice as a composer, and his role shaping young musicians at Temple University. 

EPISODE 141 - Peter Lin

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 performing, Peter is dedicated to education and community-building. He’s a faculty member at Jazz House Kids, leads the AAPI Jazz Collective, and co-founded Yardbird Entertainment, a production company bringing jazz to new audiences. His albums With Respect and New Age Old Ways showcase his cultural roots, original compositions, and bold arrangements.