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. 

A fixture of the New York jazz scene, guitarist and composer Saul Rubin is known for his soulful playing and deep musicality. A graduate of the Hartt School of Music, he studied under Jackie McLean and has since performed with legends like Sonny Rollins, Roy Hargrove, and many others. Saul is also a dedicated curator and producer—founder of Zeb’s performance space, creator of the NYC Jazz Guitar Festival, and longtime host of a popular jazz vocal series. His work as a leader includes two acclaimed albums, and his global performances have brought his sound to stages from New York to Tokyo and beyond.

Ryan Berg, a Minneapolis native, is a versatile bassist and educator now based in New York City. With a dynamic career spanning jazz, smooth jazz, R&B, world music, country, and Broadway, Ryan has performed in hit shows like Jersey Boys, Summer, The Music Man, and Hadestown. He’s collaborated with legendary artists across genres, including Roy Hargrove, Sullivan Fortner, Gerald Clayton, and Lakecia Benjamin, and has appeared on world-renowned stages like Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, and The Blue Note. In addition to performing with groups like The Brianna Thomas Band and Lindsey Webster Band, Ryan leads his own projects under the name cPhour and is a dedicated educator, having taught at SUNY Purchase, The Collective, and through programs at Jazz at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall.

Pianist Orrin Evans has built a career defined by fearless exploration and boundless creativity, a journey that began with his 1996 debut Just In Time and continues with his 20th release, Magic of Now. Captured live at Smoke Jazz Club, the album features a powerhouse quartet—including Bill Stewart, Vicente Archer, and Immanuel Wilkins—delivering spontaneous, deeply connected modern jazz. Known for his dynamic touch and bold stylistic range, Evans blends blues, swing, spiritual jazz, and avant-garde with the precision of a master and the soul of an improviser. Whether leading small groups or his Grammy-nominated Captain Black Big Band, Evans creates spaces of “structured freedom,” always pushing the music forward.

Nat Reeves is a master bassist whose dynamic, deeply supportive playing has been a cornerstone of the jazz world for over 40 years. A longtime collaborator with legends like Jackie McLean, Pharoh Sanders, Harold Mabern and Kenny Garrett, Reeves has also made his mark as a bandleader with acclaimed recordings such as State of Emergency and Blue Ridge. His musical journey—from early days in Virginia, learning by ear, to establishing himself in New York's jazz scene—reflects a lifelong dedication to groove, sound, and artistic growth. As both a performer and educator, Reeves continues to inspire with his profound musicality and unwavering commitment to the jazz tradition.  

Jason Tiemann is a highly regarded jazz drummer based in New York City, known for his crisp technique, deep historical knowledge, and intuitive swing. Influenced by legends like Philly Joe Jones, Tony Williams, and Elvin Jones, he has forged a distinct voice on the scene, performing with artists such as Benny Golson, David Liebman, and Harold Mabern. He serves on the jazz faculty at the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz (University of Hartford) and has been a longtime clinician at the Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshops. Tiemann proudly endorses Yamaha drums, Remo drumheads, and Innovative Percussion sticks and brushes.

Alex Collins is a dynamic pianist, composer, and arranger based in New York City. Known for his versatility and deep musicality, Alex has performed with a wide range of celebrated artists, including Michelle Coltrane, Lenny White, Lonnie Plaxico, Ronnie Burrage, and the legendary Dizzy Gillespie All-Stars. He was featured on Gerry Gibbs’ chart-topping album Weather or Not (2017) and Our People (2019). A recipient of the prestigious Wynton Kelly Jazz Foundation Award for Jazz Achievement in 2003, Alex continues to make his mark on the contemporary jazz scene with both power and finesse.

Lewis Porter is a renowned jazz pianist, composer, and scholar, known for founding the world’s first Master’s Program in Jazz History and Research at Rutgers University. He holds advanced degrees in psychology, counseling, music theory, and musicology, and has taught at institutions including Tufts, Brandeis, NYU, and The New School. As a performer, he has worked with Terri Lyne Carrington, Dave Liebman, Vijay Iyer, and many others, appearing on 38 albums. Porter is also the acclaimed author of John Coltrane: His Life and Music and numerous other influential books on jazz. He is also currently the author of Playback with Lewis Porter! on Substack.

On this episode, we’re joined by the extraordinary Szymon Mika — a guitarist whose melodic phrasing, technical brilliance, and emotional depth have captivated legends like Peter Bernstein and Lage Lund. From winning major international competitions to performing alongside jazz greats like Avishai Cohen and Joshua Redman, Szymon’s journey is as inspiring as his playing. Tune in as we explore his musical voice, his creative process, and what makes him one of the most exciting guitarists of his generation.

Our guest today is saxophonist and composer Jon Gordon, a native New Yorker whose career spans decades of remarkable collaborations and accolades—including winning the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition. With credits alongside legends like Phil Woods, Maria Schneider, Aretha Franklin, and Jimmy Cobb, Jon has performed at major festivals and venues worldwide. His critically acclaimed recordings continue to push boundaries, with a new album, 7th Ave South released in May 2024.

Welcome to Rabbit Hole Sessions, where we explore the lives of today’s most vibrant jazz artists. Our guest is trumpeter Greg Glassman, a Brooklyn native and longtime fixture of the New York City jazz scene. A student of greats like Marcus Belgrave and Clark Terry, Greg has toured the world with a wide range of projects—from Burning Spear to Taylor Mac—and holds down one of the city’s longest-running residencies at Cellar Dog, previously Fat Cat. With a deep discography and a passion for mentorship, Greg’s voice on the trumpet is both rooted and refreshingly bold.