Rabbit Hole Sessions with Abe Ovadia

EPISODE 14 - Randy Johnston

Randy Johnston makes learning jazz guitar fun. He takes an approach to teaching jazz in it's simplest form. Each class will improve your abilities and get you ready to perform. Randy Johnston is one of the most widely recorded and prolific guitarists of his generation. He has released 12 albums as a leader for the Muse, Highnote, J Curve, Mel Bay, and Random Act labels and has appeared on dozens of recordings with other top recording artists. In addition to his recording career, Randy has toured and played with some of the most acclaimed names in jazz, including Lionel Hampton, Houston Person and Etta Jones, Lonnie Smith, and has played for 17 years as a regular member of the Lou Donaldson Quartet. He has traveled the world concertizing, both as a bandleader and side musician, performing at the top clubs and festivals all over the United States, Europe, Japan, Thailand, and South America.

EPISODE 12 - Gordon Kuba

Gordon Kuba is a versatile jazz drummer based in the NJ/NY area, known for his dynamic performances and deep groove. A graduate of the Montclair Jazz Program, Gordon has developed a unique sound that seamlessly blends traditional jazz with modern fusion elements. He leads First Mountain, his original fusion band, showcasing his versatility and creative vision. Over the years, Gordon has had the pleasure of performing with notable artists such as Charlie Apicella & Iron City, guitarist Dave Stryker, and Hal Gaper, building a reputation as a dedicated and talented musician in the jazz scene.

EPISODE 11 - Jeff Mann

Jeff Mann is quickly becoming a respected presence in the drumming community. He has been playing for 20 years, but since joining the NYC world-prog shredders Consider the Source six years ago—a trio known for their virtuosic playing and unique “sci-fi Middle Eastern fusion” sound—he has had more of a spotlight for his abilities. A study in contrasts, Mann’s approach ranges from powerful, propulsive attacks laden with chops, to deft light hands that bring out the compositional nuance of the band’s rich, intricate arrangements. Add to this mix of technique and phrasing his ability to maneuver between Eastern and Western traditions, fusing culture rhythmically with a tonal palette that includes numerous traditional drums and hand percussion instruments, side by side with modern electronics. All the while, and maybe most important of all, he swings: he brings a groove to what can be dense, heavy sonic passages allowing odd-time signatures to flow by naturally, and he makes it seem easy. A remarkable soloist, Mann seems at times to compose on the fly, jumping from the song into a new space that is all his own, adding melodic textures to the rhythms and beats, then back into the arrangement. Like most fine players, however, what sets him apart is his ability to support and enhance the playing of his band mates—two extraordinary string players who would challenge any drummer. As one London blog put it, in a review of the band’s recent release, the epic double album World War Trio, Parts II & III (Techne Records, 2015), “The band is the sum of its brilliant parts, with guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Gabriel Marin flanked by multi-bass player John Ferrara and drummer / percussionist Jeff Mann. Mann combines subtlety and power in his phrasing to shape several challenging pieces brilliantly (getreadytorock.me.uk).” After catching the band live, another writer draws this comparison. “Imagine the ‘90s Bulls. Now, imagine them with LeBron on the team too. You can debate either way which of Marin and Ferrara are Michael and LeBron….Mann is unarguably Pippen, valiantly rocking (NYSMusic).” With a rigorous touring schedule averaging 125 shows per year, Consider The Source performs throughout North America, and has toured the Middle East and Europe three times. Demand from fans led the trio to create the “Source Academy”—an online lesson forum that Mann’s 10+ years of experience teaching lessons prepared him for.

EPISODE 10 - Jonathan Colman

Jonathan Colman is a Philadelphia-based bassist, performer, improvisor, composer, and educator. His penchant for groove-based improvisation and effects pedals finds a home in the power trio Muscle Tough, whose octave-switching madness blurs the lines between guitar and bass. As a sought-after session musician he is known for his stylistic sensitivity, progressive jamming tactics, and ability to see the big picture in the studio. Colman has a BA in Jazz Performance from Duquesne University. He has been touring and teaching regularly since graduating in 2008. Catch him performing with Muscle Tough! He recently partnered with Pickup Music to release their first-ever "Bass for Guitarists" learning pathway – designed to accelerate adapting to the low end.

EPISODE 9 - Jason Arce

Grammy award winning saxophonist and multi instrumentalist Jason Arce has been performing professionally for over 20 years. He has performed with a wide array of artists from Joe Jonas, Weezer, CeCe Winans, Adele, Blood Orange, Cory Henry among many others. He has also performed at Coachella, Lollapalooza, Primavera Sound, Pitchfork, and Governor’s Ball. Television appearances include Dick Clark’s Rocking New Years Eve, The Tonight Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah. Jason received his BA from VCU in 2007 and his Masters Degree from NYU in 2010. He is a proud endorser of Cannonball Saxophoness, BARI saxophone mouthpieces, BG France, and Gonzalez Reeds

EPISODE 8 - ThisIsTorch

Gregory Sgrulloni, professionally known as ThisIsTorch, is an American music producer, artist and drummer based in Los Angeles, California. Working in styles ranging from electronic and hip-hip to pop/Top 40 to symphonic or cinematic trailer music, ThisIsTorch has worked with artists, writers and producers the likes of Grammy winning songwriter Makeba Riddick (Beyonce and Rihanna), Grammy winning multi-platinum producer and mixing engineer Ken Lewis (Kanye West, Drake, Alicia Keys, BTS), Keli Nicole Price (Beyonce), Kpop hit songwriter Justine Ok (백지연), Courtney Paige Nelson (Americas Next Top Model), Brockett Parsons (Lady Gaga), Darude (DJ/producer of 'Sandstorm'), Henry 'Cirkut' Walter (Katy Perry, Dua Lipa, Britney Spears) and more. He is also known for his dynamic live performances and signature drumming style with live electronic acts, Sistine Criminals (featuring Grammy winning sax player, Aaron Burnett) and Conspirator (featuring members of The Disco Biscuits). As a touring musician, he has performed extensively throughout the U.S. as well as internationally. Throughout his career, he has shared the stage with artists such as Carnage, Prodigy (of Mobb Deep), Hannibal Buress, DJ Jazzy Jay, Method Man, Esperanza Spalding, KJ Sawka (Pendulum), Johnny Rabb (Collective Soul), Adam Deitch (Lettuce, 50 Cent, Lauryn Hill) and many more. Stylistically, his drumming is influenced largely by electronic music genres such as Jungle/DnB, Trap and House as well as some of their respective subgenres; most notably Drill, IDM, Tech House, Chicago Juke and more. His sound and style of drumming could be described as ‘Squarepusher meets Billy Cobham meets Metro Boomin’. In 2014, ThisIsTorch was ranked among “Adam Deitch's Top 10 Most Exciting Drummers on the Scene" on L4LM.com. ThisIsTorch is also the author behind the ground breaking innovative drum method book entitled, "Trap Style Drumming for the Acoustic & Hybrid Drum Set". Credited as the first ever drum method book for the wildly popular style of Trap, it was published and distributed by Hudson Music/Hal Leonard starting in summer of 2018. Having been reviewed by some of the industries top world class drummers (Jojo Mayer, Johnny Rabb, Jeff “TAIN” Watts, Adam Deitch and more), “Trap Style Drumming” went on to earn a nomination for 'Best Educational Product' in the 2019 Modern Drummer Readers Poll.

EPISODE 7 - Scott Tarulli

Scott has been a Professor at Berklee College of Music, for over 12 years. When Scott isnʼt busy teaching, he is maintaining a multi-faceted career as a session musician, composer, writer and clinician earning a reputation as a uniquely talented hired gun guitarist. Aside from spending time as a busy Boston local sideman and touring artist, Scott performs live and records with players like Jerry Marotta, Tony Levin, Mark Egan, Ira Coleman, Nile Rodgers, Steve Gadd, Abe Laboriel, The Temptations, Bernard Purdie, Chuck Rainey, Peter Eldridge, and Guthrie Govan, to name a few. Scott is also a Professor of guitar at renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston where he teaches private students and professional guitar labs. His touring schedule includes live performances, master classes, and various clinics. Tarulli has performed in various cities and countries - LA, Paris, Umbria(Italy), London, Nashville, New York and all around the East Coast. Scott has released three albums under his own name: “Transitions”(2002) and “September in Boston: Live”(2004) and "Anytime, Anywhere" (2012) and has a lengthy discography as a sideman.

EPISODE 6 - Jarrett Walser

Jarrett Walser is a musician that brings vibrant sensitivity and rich nuances to an expressive style on the drums that is refreshing. His ease and versatility in several genres (jazz, rock, R&B, the blues, funk) has made him a highly sought-after drummer. As a member of U.L.T.R.A. S (formally known as The Fanny Pack) you can hear the infusion of those styles on display.
 
What started out as an inquisitive, playful orchestration on pots and pans, at the age of three, grew into a passion. Jarrett’s first love has always been jazz. This allure commenced at the age of 11 when he began studying at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center’s (NJPAC) Wachovia Jazz for Teens program in 2001. During his 7 years at NJPAC, he had the fortunate opportunity to study with jazz greats -- Ralph Peterson, Cecil Brooks III, Dion Parson, Mark Gross, Valery Panomarev, Joris Teepe and Mike LeDonne.
 
After his studies at NJPAC, he continued to pursue his passion for music at Rutgers University, Mason Gross School of the Arts, where he received his B.A. (2012) and M.M. (2017) in Jazz Performance. While there he was able to study with world-class musicians -- Victor Lewis, Ralph Bowen and Conrad Herwig to name a few. He has also performed with several notable musicians including bassists Rufus Reid, Kenny Davis, vocalist Carla Cook, trumpeter Valery Panomarev’s: Our Father Who Art Blakey Big Band, Eddie Allen’s groups PUSH, Eddie Allen Quintet and 3hree for Louis: Tribute to Louis Armstrong, Lance Bryant:SHOUT Big Band as well as Jazz Saxophonist Chico Freeman.
 
Jarrett has played at numerous major music venues in New York City including Dizzy’s Club Cocoa-Cola, The Iridium, The Blue Note, The Zinc Bar, and Carnegie Hall. He maintains constant engagements at various concert halls, clubs, and private and public events.
 
When not performing, Jarrett loves teaching and is on staff at  NJPAC and His & Her Music as an instructor, has private students, and conducts master classes for young children.       
 
He was also the Jazz Band Manager for the New York Youth Symphony Jazz Band, a 17-member swing ensemble whose single mission is to preserve the big band jazz music of the 30s and 40s as well as playing compositions of todays modern composers.
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Jarrett is an artful musician that is only at the genesis of his career. The best is yet to come.

EPISODE 5 - Ben Rubens

Located in NJ/NYC, Bassist Ben Rubens has rapidly developed a reputation for being a supportive and well-rounded rhythm section musician. Performances include: The Kennedy Center, The Apollo Theater, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Blue Note Milano, Blue Note Beijing, Brussels Jazz Festival, Gaume Jazz Festival, Rochester International Jazz Festival, The Nice Jazz Festival, Detroit Jazz Festival and the Red Sea Jazz Festival. He is a featured performer on a number of CDs, including the Smoke Sessions Recording “In The Moment,” by the Johnny O’Neal Trio Ft. late trumpet master Roy Hargrove and “Songs in the Key of Wonder” by James Austin Jr. He also recorded original composition with late great jazz master, Jerry Dodgion. Rubens has performed three years in a row with the trio supporting NEA Jazz Master Sheila Jordan at Roni Ben-Hur’s RBH Jazz Camp in Burlington, VT. Mr. Rubens is also experienced in musical theater, performing in numerous regional productions as well as the June 6th, 2022 performance of “Plays For The Plague Year” by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks with musical direction by Ric Molina (“Wicked”). He has performed in Italy, France, Belgium, Germany, China, Russia, Israel, and Mexico. Ben has been so lucky to have been studying the bass with legendary jazz master Harvie S since 2009(!) and also to have hung and learned from Bob Cranshaw during 2013-2014

EPISODE 4 - Norman Damschroder

Norman Damschroder joined the University of Toledo faculty in 1997. He serves as senior lecturer of jazz history and as an instructor of double bass. He holds a Bachelor of Music (Jazz Emphasis) degree from the University of Toledo and a Master of Music Performance degree from Bowling Green State University. His major teachers have been Mark Bernat, Tom Knific, Derek Weller, and Jeff Halsey.
As an active freelance bassist in the Toledo area, Damschroder has performed with jazz artists Rosemary Clooney, Stanley Cowell, Ernie Krivda, Tim Ries, Jon Hendricks; pop artists Michael Feinstein, Maureen McGovern, Sandy Patty, and others.
As a classically trained bassist, he has appeared in over 100 concerts with the Toledo Symphony Orchestra and is currently a member of the Toledo Symphony Jazz Trio which performs regularly in concert and clinic programs throughout Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan.
His duties at University of Toledo include teaching Applied Double Bass, Jazz History, Low String Methods, Jazz Improvisation, and Jazz Combos. In addition to his duties at UT, Damschroder serves on the faculty of the University of Findlay and has served on the faculties of Bowling Green State University and Bluffton College.