Rabbit Hole Sessions with Abe Ovadia

Hal Galper, born in Salem, Massachusetts, began his musical journey studying classical piano before shifting to jazz at Berklee College of Music in the mid-1950s. Immersing himself in the Boston jazz scene, he became the house pianist at several clubs and went on to perform with legends like Chet Baker, Stan Getz, and the Cannonball Adderley Quintet. An acclaimed performer, recording artist, and educator, Galper has also taught at Purchase College and the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music.

Joe Strasser is a one-of-a-kind jazz drummer known for his distinctive sound, deep musicality, and rock-solid time. A cornerstone of the New York City jazz scene, Strasser’s playing can be heard on standout recordings like Up In Smoke and Still Smokin’ with Ian Hendrickson-Smith, and In Orbit with Planet Jazz. Drawing inspiration from masters like Jimmy Cobb and Philly Joe Jones, he combines a foundation in tradition with a thoroughly individual voice, making him one of the most respected and versatile drummers of his generation.

Pat Bianchi is a Grammy-nominated jazz organist known for pushing the boundaries of the Hammond B-3 while honoring its rich tradition. Mentored by legends Dr. Lonnie Smith and Joey DeFrancesco, Bianchi has developed a unique voice that blends deep roots with a forward-looking approach. As a leader, he has toured extensively across the U.S. and Europe, opened for Steely Dan, and performed alongside icons like Pat Martino, Lou Donaldson, Joe Locke, and Chuck Loeb. With nine albums as a leader and over 40 guest appearances, Bianchi’s command of the instrument, harmonic depth, and rhythmic intensity place him among the top organists of his generation. In addition to his busy touring schedule, he teaches at Berklee College of Music and hosts the SiriusXM show Organized, celebrating the art and history of jazz organ.

Grant Stewart, a Toronto-born tenor saxophonist, moved to New York City in the 1990s, studying with jazz masters like Donald Byrd and Barry Harris. Known for his powerful sound and deep command of the jazz tradition, Stewart has performed internationally with legends including Jimmy Cobb, Harold Mabern, Clark Terry, and Renee Fleming. He has released twenty albums as a leader, with highlights such as Grant Stewart Trio on Cellar Live and the award-winning Live at Smalls. Consistently recognized in the DownBeat Critics Poll and featured in JazzTimes, Stewart stands out as one of the top tenor saxophonists of his generation, acclaimed for keeping the spirit of classic jazz alive with his modern voice.

Today on the podcast, I’m joined by trombonist, composer, and educator David Gibson. A driving force on the New York jazz scene, David has performed with legends like Slide Hampton, Roy Hargrove, and Jimmy Heath, and has released seven acclaimed albums as a bandleader. His compositions and arrangements have been featured by the GRAMMY-nominated Captain Black Big Band and ensembles across the country. With a deep commitment to mentorship and the jazz tradition, David continues to inspire both on stage and in the classroom. 

Today on the podcast, I’m joined by drummer Andrew Kushnir. Originally from Montreal, Andrew discovered the drums at age 17 and quickly immersed himself in the city’s jazz scene. After studying at Berklee and earning his master’s from NYU, he became a fixture in New York’s jazz community. Whether leading his own groups or playing alongside artists like Spike Wilner and Reed Miller, Andrew brings deep musicality and drive to every performance.

Today on the podcast, I’m joined by saxophonist and educator Ryan Devlin. A Florida native, Ryan grew up immersed in music, learning from his father Scott Devlin, leader of the Walt Disney World Sax Quartet. After earning his master’s in Jazz Performance from the New England Conservatory, Ryan has gone on to perform across North America and share the stage with legends like Ravi Coltrane and Adam Nussbaum. His voice on the saxophone is both rooted in tradition and pushing forward with a modern edge.  

On this episode, we’re joined by Elias Haslanger—a powerhouse saxophonist, composer, and bandleader who’s been a major force in the jazz world for over 30 years. Based in Austin, Texas, Elias has shared the stage with legends like Ellis Marsalis, Maynard Ferguson, and The Temptations, while earning comparisons to Coltrane and Rollins. From top-charting albums to major performances across the U.S. and Europe, his story is one of deep artistry, relentless dedication, and serious groove. Let’s dive into the journey of a true modern jazz master.  

On today’s episode, we sit down with drummer, bandleader, and arranger Evan Sherman—a dynamic force in jazz who’s performed with legends like Ron Carter, Wynton Marsalis, and Samara Joy. A New Jersey native, Evan began gigging professionally at 13 and has since lit up stages around the world, from the Village Vanguard to Tchaikovsky Hall. Whether leading his powerhouse big band or swinging with a quintet, Evan brings soul, tradition, and serious groove to every beat.

Bassist and composer Peter Slavov is a major force in today’s jazz world, known for his versatility, lyricism, and global reach. A native of Bulgaria and graduate of Berklee College of Music, Peter has performed in over 40 countries with legends like Joe Lovano, Quincy Jones, Danilo Perez, and Chucho Valdés. He’s a longtime member of Lovano’s Us Five and has been featured on acclaimed recordings for Blue Note and GRAMMY-nominated projects. His 2019 debut album Little Stories showcases his skills as both a composer and storyteller, while he continues to inspire students as a faculty member at Berklee.