Rabbit Hole Sessions with Abe Ovadia

EPISODE 126 - Ben Allison

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 Hart and Drew Gress, showcases his deep harmonic sensibility and expressive touch. With an incredible career spanning recordings, international tours, and film appearances, Randy continues to shape the jazz landscape.

EPISODE 125 - Bobby Watson

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 a former Director of Jazz Studies at UMKC and a Kansas City Jazz Walk of Fame inductee, Bobby’s contributions to jazz education and performance are immense. Let’s dive into his incredible journey!"

EPISODE 124 - Ken Fowser

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 the JazzWeek Radio Chart for seven weeks straight. With a residency at The Django and international recognition, including an Indonesian Grammy nomination, Ken continues to push jazz forward. Let’s dive in!"
 
 

EPISODE 123 - Wayne Tucker

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-energy take on the American Songbook, blending jazz, R&B, and rock influences. Whether it’s playing in NYC’s small clubs, Madison Square Garden, or even appearing on Succession, Wayne does it all.

EPISODE 122 - Stacy Dillard

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 Cyrus Chestnut, Eric Revis, and Wycliffe Gordon. His sound is soulful, powerful, and unmistakably his own. Let’s dive into his journey!"

EPISODE 121 - Felix Moseholm

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 Marsalis, and has become a force on the New York jazz scene. From Juilliard to NPR Tiny Desk, his journey is nothing short of inspiring. Let’s get into it!"

EPISODE 120 - Neal Miner

Growing up surrounded by jazz, today's guest was introduced to the music by his father, Bill Miner—a respected jazz record collector and discographer. From an early age, he absorbed the sounds of classic records, attended live performances, and studied with some of the finest teachers, shaping him into one of the most in-demand bassists on the New York City jazz scene.
With a career spanning decades, he has toured and recorded with legends like Jon Hendricks, Annie Ross, and Jane Monheit, contributing both as a bassist and arranger on multiple albums. As a leader, his six records showcase his deep musicality, compositional voice, and respect for the jazz tradition.
Whether on stage or in the classroom at The New School and City College of New York, he continues to carry the legacy of jazz forward.
 

EPISODE 119 - Jonathan Epley

Hailing from the mountains of East Tennessee, today’s guest was immersed in the world of great guitar playing from an early age. With a deep connection to the instrument through his uncle, renowned Martin historian and luthier John Arnold, he had the rare opportunity to watch and learn from legends like Norman Blake and Doc Watson up close.
Blending the traditions of bluegrass and folk with later influences of jazz, electric slide guitar, blues, and progressive rock, his approach to music is both rooted and adventurous—bridging genres with a unique and dynamic style.
 

EPISODE 118 - Troy Roberts

A three-time GRAMMY-nominated saxophonist and composer, today’s guest has become one of the most in-demand musicians of his generation. Equally at home in a variety of styles, he has recorded and toured with legends like Joey DeFrancesco, Van Morrison, Jeff "Tain" Watts, Orrin Evans, Kurt Elling, and Veronica Swift, solidifying his reputation as a first-call saxophonist.
With sixteen releases as a leader—including his latest, Green Lights, featuring John Patitucci, Paul Bollenback, and Jimmy Macbride—he continues to push boundaries both with his quartet and his electrifying project, Nu-Jive. His dynamic approach to the saxophone and fearless exploration of sound make him one of the most exciting voices in jazz today.
 

EPISODE 117 - Randy Napoleon

A forward-thinking guitarist with deep roots in the jazz tradition, Randy Napoleon has spent decades shaping the sound of modern jazz. Currently an Associate Professor at Michigan State University, he honed his craft on the road with legends like Benny Green, The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Michael Bublé, and spent thirteen years with Freddy Cole.
With over seventy recording credits, including Grammy-nominated projects, his playing and arrangements have been heard on major stages worldwide—from Royal Albert Hall to The Hollywood Bowl—and on television appearances spanning The Tonight Show to The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
Praised for his warm tone, intricate finger-style technique, and deep swing, Napoleon embodies the balance of tradition and innovation in jazz guitar.