Rabbit Hole Sessions with Abe Ovadia

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.

EPISODE 116 - Benjamin Sanz

Today, I’m joined by a drummer and composer whose work bridges the worlds of Black American music, African rhythms, and contemporary European jazz. Whether as a sideman, bandleader, or co-director, he has performed and recorded with some of the most innovative voices in modern music, including David Murray, Archie Shepp, Oliver Lake, and Joëlle Léandre.
From co-leading the African jazz ensemble Benkadi to shaping Paris’s improvisational music scene with the MiRR collective, his artistry pushes the boundaries of rhythm, sound, and collaboration.
 

EPISODE 115 - Luke Carlos O'Reilly

Today, I’m joined by an award-winning pianist and organist whose playing is deeply rooted in jazz, soul, R&B, gospel, Latin jazz, and classical music. Originally from Boston, he made his mark in Philadelphia, where he studied at Temple University and went on to perform and record with artists like Seal, Roy Ayers, Curtis Fuller, Nicholas Payton, Macy Gray, and many more.
With three solo albums under his belt—including his powerful Black Lives Matter-inspired release I Too, Sing America: A Black Man’s Diary—he continues to push boundaries as both a performer and educator.

EPISODE 114 - Marianne Solivan

Marianne Solivan is a jazz vocalist known for her rich tone, soulful delivery, and fearless improvisation. She has performed with top musicians like Christian McBride, Jeremy Pelt, and Peter Bernstein, captivating audiences with her dynamic stage presence. With multiple album releases, including Prisoner of Love, she brings a fresh yet classic approach to jazz vocals. Whether leading her own groups or collaborating with renowned artists, Solivan continues to make a powerful impact on the jazz scene.

EPISODE 113 - Mike Lee

Mike Lee is a saxophonist, composer, and educator who has been a key figure in the New York City and Northern New Jersey jazz scenes for many years. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, he has performed with legendary ensembles such as The Jimmy Heath Orchestra, The Dizzy Gillespie Orchestra, and The Roy Hargrove Big Band. He appears regularly at top venues like The Blue Note, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, and Smalls, while also touring internationally. In addition to his performing career, Lee is a dedicated educator, serving as Professor of Jazz Saxophone at Montclair State University and playing a vital role in developing Jazz House Kids’ education programs.

EPISODE 112 - Brad Whiteley

Brad Whiteley is a versatile pianist, organist, and music director known for his ability to elevate any musical setting. He has toured with Regina Spektor, conducted on Broadway, and played on a Grammy-nominated track. As a jazz musician, composer, and improviser, his debut album Pathless Land earned a four-star DownBeat review and was named an Editor’s Pick. Based in the Bronx, he serves as music director at Blessed Sacrament Church and Live Music Pros, balancing a dynamic career across genres.

EPISODE 111 - Max Light

Today, we’re joined by Max Light, a Brooklyn-based guitarist whose innovative playing has earned him accolades as one of the most promising voices in modern jazz. His latest release, Chaotic Neutral (AGS Recordings 2024), was described by Downbeat Magazine as “complex, shrouded in mystery and endlessly intriguing,” solidifying Max as a true trailblazer.
From earning 2nd place in the prestigious Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Guitar Competition to collaborating with jazz luminaries like Noah Preminger, Donny McCaslin, and Christian Sands, Max has built an extraordinary career. Join us as we explore his creative journey, groundbreaking projects, and what makes him one of the most exciting guitarists of his generation.