Rabbit Hole Sessions with Abe Ovadia

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.

BONUS EPISODE 1 - Kerri George

Kerri George is an actor, singer, performer, and a dedicated voice teacher and coach. As a proud Leo (if that means something to you, great—if not, Kerri might even be a little envious), she approaches her craft and her teaching with warmth, authenticity, and a touch of humor.
Kerri’s work is all about connection—whether on stage or in the studio. She’s not just here to teach techniques; she’s here to help people discover their voices, build confidence, and embrace their own creative journeys. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in creating a safe and comfortable environment, where asking questions and making mistakes aren’t just okay—they’re celebrated.
Kerri’s students often describe her as someone who genuinely cares about their growth, and that’s no accident. She’s deeply passionate about empowering others, especially singers, to believe in themselves. For Kerri, teaching isn’t about pointing out flaws—it’s about opening doors. She’s most energized when she sees that spark of realization in her students—the moment they make a sound they never thought they could or when a new possibility suddenly feels within reach.
A performer herself, Kerri knows firsthand that singing and acting are as much mental as they are technical. That’s why she emphasizes what she calls the “unwritten rule” she wishes she had learned earlier: you are enough. Her mission is to help others internalize that truth, on stage and off.
Outside of teaching, Kerri is committed to living life boldly and authentically. She’s constantly pushing herself to share her thoughts and passions more openly, a journey she views as both personal growth and a gift to others. Whether she’s performing, teaching, or just writing about herself in third person (wink), Kerri’s goal is always the same: to leave a little more light and confidence in the world.

EPISODE 53 - Adam Niewood

Adam Niewood is a saxophonist, composer, drummer, and craftsman, who has been involved in a variety of different creative projects over the past 30 years, in and around the New York metropolitan area.  More recently having worked for 6 years in David Liebman’s “Elvin Jones Live at the Lighthouse” Band playing the Tenor 2 book once held by Steve Grossman in the early 1970s incarnation of the Elvin Jones Quartet.  Also a long tenure as a member of the Pat Martino Quintet during Pat’s last years of touring, Adam can be heard on Pat’s last album as a leader, Formidable.  While in another mode as a craftsman, making Saxophone mouthpieces for today’s virtual who’s who, of professional world-class Saxophone player’s like Michael Brecker, Chris Potter, Dick Oatts, Mark Turner, Greg Osby, Ron Blake, John Ellis, Greg Tardy, Ben Wendell, Dayna Stephens, and countless others.  It’s becoming arguable, exactly what Adam Niewood is most well-known for.
Adam comes from what some refer to as “an artsy family” His father, Gerry Niewood, was a world renown jazz artist best known for his long association with Chuck Magionne. Saxophone studies began at age 3 (!) and by the tender age of 5, Adam had traveled on the road (tagging along with dad) with Simon & Garfunkel and Liza Minelli. While still in high school, Adam played tenor and toured in big bands that included Lew Soloff, Don Menza and Steve Gadd.
After early studies with his dad and a two year stint in Boston at Berklee, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree from William Paterson University under the tutelage of David Demsey. Upon graduation, Dr. Demsey recommended Adam for a professorship at Montclair State University, where he instructed saxophophone, jazz history and small ensemble. Eager to continue his education, he received a full scholarship to attend Manhattan School of Music (earning a Master’s Degree). Subsequently, he became one of the first attendees of the jazz program at Juilliard (earning his Artist Diploma in May of 2010).  More recently, Adam taught Drum Set at Lafayette College as a musical instructor. In addition, he has been a guest lecturer at William Patterson University, The Juilliard School and multiple jazz workshops. 
Throughout his career as a freelance musician, Adam Niewood has played with an eclectic wide spectrum of various different artists ranging from: Renee Olstead, Ronnie Cuber, Andy Fusco, George Benson, Richie Cole, Tito Puente Jr., Bill Charlap, Joe Piscopo, Jim McNeely, Rufus Reid, Debbie Gibson, Warren Vache, Vic Juris, Steve Gilmore, Gene Bertoncini, Bill Goodwin, Phil Woods, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Dave Leibman, Gene Perla, Adam Nussbaum, Pat Martino, and many other accomplished musicians.
With now several recordings, under his belt, as a leader: Adam’s latest releases on Steeplechase Records –  “Blue as a Whistle” and “Home with You At Last” – feature jazz greats John Scofield, John Patitucci, and Jack DeJohnette.  (Check out the Music page for Adam’s select discography)Adam’s work as a craftsman on Mouthpieces, has evolved over years of study and apprenticeship.  Having been “in-business” professionally for 20 years, he is now recognized as one of the most intuitive and serious craftsmen on the planet. His fascination with mouthpieces was inspired by the late Jon Van Wie, an acknowledged master of refacing. After Jon’s passing, Adam knocked on the door of the legendary Ted Klum (taught by the master Everett Mattsen) and became an apprentice of Ted’s, learning and perfecting the art of the mouthpiece – as well as establishing a lifelong friendship. 
 

EPISODE 52 - Eric Wyatt

Eric Wyatt is a saxophonist who plays tenor, alto, and soprano sax.  Born in Brooklyn, New York, Eric was taught music by his dad, Charles Jolly Wyatt, who played in the army band in Germany.  His dad moved to Harlem in the early 50’s just in time to play with many of the world’s greatest players. Eric can recall story’s of his dad taking him to concerts where he would sometimes drive the band members in the family station wagon.  Eric at 11 years old drove with his father in 1972 to Storrs, CT with bassist Larry Ridley and pianist Albert Dailey.
The band leader was Eric’s godfather Sonny Rollins.  Jim Hall was on the gig as well.  This inspired Eric at a young age to hear his first live concert.  Some of his dad’s friends were, Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, Dexter Gordon, Gary Bartz, Big Nick Nicholas, Gilley Coggins, Wilber Ware, and Dizzy Gillespie.  Eric went with his dad to see Miles Davis at the Bottom Line club and went backstage after the gig.
Eric began on alto and studied at Kingsborough Community College.  He also went to Lehman college where he studied with pianist Stanley Cowell.  He had some opportunities early in his career to write and license an original song to channel 5 in NY for a tv news show called Black News with host Bill McCreary in 1985.
He went on to switch to tenor after his dad passed in July 1989. He met and studied with a Brooklyn legend named Arthur Rhames who inspired him.  The lessons he learned from Arthur helped to put Eric on the right track.  Eric started playing in Europe as a leader in Sept 1996 performing in Paris, France at the La Villa Jazz Club.  Dany Michel brought him there 2 times and Eric made connections in Europe and took his quintet to the Half Note Jazz Club in 1998 and 1999.  He has played as a leader in Moscow, Russia, as well as in Slovakia, Prague, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Athens in Greece, Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore. He has 5 recordings as a leader and has played as a sideman on cds with Kenny Garrett, Jeff Tain Watts, Bob Crenshaw, Al Foster, Rufus Reid, Warren Wolf, Wallace Roney, and Steve Jordan. His Cds currently out today are Borough Of Kings, Positone, Look to the Sky, and The Golden Rule 4 Sonny, both on Whaling City Sound Records.  
He also recorded a cd called The Blue Print which features Robert Glasper, Keyon Harrold, Anthony Wonsey, Darryl Hall, E-J Strickland, and Master James Spaulding.
Eric also licensed his original composition “Welcome Home” to NBA TV show One On One with Ahmad Rashad in 2004 and has performed at many major festivals and Clubs such as Nice Jazz  Festival, Rochester Jazz Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival, The Blue Note, Dizzy’s Coca Cola Club, Birdland, The Iridium, Cafe Stritch San Jose, and The Jazz Gallery.  He also played with Grammy winner Roy Hargrove’s Big band as well as with Roy’s Quintet played at Yoshi’s.  Eric has performed with Branford Marsalis’Quartet at Yoshi’s and recorded on the Frank Foster Songbook cd with Wynton Marsalis.  Eric can also be heard performing with Dewey Redman on an album released in 1995 under Verve Records called Last Chance for Common Sense.
The album titled Golden Rule 4 Sonny features Russell Malone, Clifton Anderson, Sullivan Fortner, Giveton Gelin, Willie Jones III, Tyler Mitchell, Eric Wheeler, Chris Beck, Charles Gould, and Benito Gonzalez. He will record this fall November 2020 at the legendary studio of Rudy Van Gelder for his 3rd release scheduled for a 2021 with Whaling City Sound label.