TRIO BIO

2020 and 2021 were dark and difficult years. In normal times, music would come to me, and I just followed it. But

in those years—nothing came.

One bright light appeared, in the form of a gentleman named Michael. I had been listening to him online, and

finally met him on Superbowl Sunday 2022 in Dallas. Relentless focus on truth, sense of wonder, love and compassion—that was Michael. His right hand Kelly and his community, like me. are dedicated to truth, and they are amazing people.

From my experience in Michael’s group, I became inspired to do things differently. I had no idea where it would end up, but I made a plan to record 2 or 3 songs—eliminating any pressure to do an entire CD—and see what came of it. Jason and I had been thinking for a while about doing an electric project, and I told him Matt King would be the perfect fit for us.

Jason frequently came up from New Orleans to teach in New Jersey, so on September 14, 2021 we did our first session at Mozart Studio in Little Falls NJ. We recorded 2 tunes in that session and ended up doing 4 more sessions over the next two years.

We did a total of 5 sessions, and we finished recording on March 2, 2023. The music that came through us in those sessions was cool, different, authentic—truthful. It was all improvised or new original music. So we had a CD, but no title, until I realized a phrase of Michael's—HIP TO THE SKIP—exactly fit the music.

For my dear fellow musicians Jason and Matt: Thank you so much for creating this journey with me and for your

amazing contributions.

For Kelly and everyone in Dallas, for the Kennedy family—I am so grateful to you for the high bar you set and the

help to go for it.

For Michael, who passed in June 2023: Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you have given us.

You gave me purpose and direction in a time I had neither and the strength to finish this project. You will be in my

heart forever.

TRIO MEMBERS

JASON MARSALIS is a drummer and vibraphonist, the son of Grammy® Award-winning pianist Ellis Marsalis.

Jason started lessons with the legendary drummer James Black at six years old, and one year later was playing in

shows with his father.

Jason plays in New York and tours internationally, with his brother Wynton's ensembles, with Marcus Roberts and

many other combos. He plays vibraphone with the the Lionel Hampton Big Band among others. He teaches at

William Paterson in NJ, and throughout the US and internationally in workshops, clinics and private lessons. In

2009, the Marsalis Family received the NEA Jazz Masters Award.

MATT KING is a pianist, organist, vocalist, composer, arranger and producer based in the NYC area.

He studied classical piano at the University of Illinois, and jazz at William Paterson University, with classmates

including Bill Stewart, Doug Weiss, Peter Bernstein and Eric Alexander.

His musical versatility is extraordinary—jazz, latin, fusion, funk, gospel, rock, blues, pop—and he was the leader

and arranger for “Monk In Brazil”, his latest recording, which reviewers called "A brilliant triumph".

He is a founding Faculty Member of Sitka Jazz Week in Sitka, AK, and plays major jazz venues and festivals in the

NYC metro area, the US and internationally.

CHRISTIAN FABIAN was born in Sweden and studied bass at Maastricht Conservatory in Europe. He recorded

three albums there with his band Time Design, and performed throughout Europe. On full scholarship to Berklee College, he was auditioned by Lionel Hampton and hired as bassist for the Lionel Hampton Big Band in 1996.

During the next two decades in New York, he studied with Ron Carter and Mike Longo, played bass in Mike’s Big

Band (NYSAJE). As Co-Leader of the Lionel Hampton Big Band, he accepted the posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award for Hamp at the 2023 Grammies®.

His many projects have charted and won awards. Christian plays in NY, the US & internationally and has produced

Sitka Jazz Week, the Sitka Jazz Tour and Jazzmas! since 2022. He is a 2025 Grammy® Nominated contributor.

VENUE DETAILS

The Cutting Room is New York's legendary dinner theater and event space. All shows have a $25 food and/or beverage minimum per person (unless otherwise indicated on your ticket.) Please note the ticket price goes mostly to the performers and production staff. The club sells food and beverages to continue to bring live music to NYC. (https://thecuttingroomnyc.com/eat-and-drink/)

We do not take reservations and seating is first come, first seated.

Thank you for your understanding.