Out now on Spicerack Records, The Christian Fabian Trio’s album “Hip To The Skip” is a captivating blend of jazz and funk elements that showcases the trio’s exceptional musicianship. From the original opening track, “Hip To The Skip,” to the album closer, “Effend,” the Sweden-born, New York-based bassist takes listeners on a musical journey filled with dynamic performances and innovative compositions. 

The album started as a creative endeavor that was supposed to produce two or three songs. Fabian and drummer Jason Marsalis added keyboardist Matt King, and the project quickly moved to the next phase with forward-leaning interpretations of songs by Joe Zawinul (“ Mercy, Mercy, Mercy”), Jason Marsalis (“In The Name Of Feminism”) and McCoy Tyner (“ Effend”). The three pieces add touches of funk to each of them, transforming each into a new and vibrant piece. The band took turns arranging the various songs, and the project was recorded from September 2022 until March 2023 at Mozart Studios in Little Falls, NJ. Despite the obstacles to recording brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the project sounds seamless and energetic. My favorite tracks are the title track, which was partially inspired by Fabian’s close friend, Michael, the cover of Miles Davis’ bold (“Funky) Four” and drummer Jason Marsalis’ composition, “In The Name of Feminism.” “Each track on the album is carefully crafted and expertly executed, and downright fun. . 

Overall, “Hip To The Skip” is a must-listen for jazz enthusiasts looking for something fresh and exciting in the contemporary jazz scene.