Hip To The Skip
Spicerack, 2024
8/10
Christian Fabian brings his inimitable bass playing to these 11 tracks that recruit Jason Marsalis and Matt King, and together it makes for a fusion filled listen that’s got plenty of jazz spirit.
The energetic title track starts things off and doesn’t waste anytime making an impression thanks to Marsalis’ speedy drums and Fabian’s bouncing bass in the stylish jazz climate, and “Moanin’” follows with no lack of grooves from the rhythm section, as King’s glowing keys emit much warmth.
Into the middle, the animated “Incognito” makes great use of Fabian’s meticulous bass lines amid the firm keys, while “Zig” gets funky and playful, where the agile drumming suits the adventurous finger work from King.
Landing near the end, “Side Kick” swirls with a quirky, buzzing formula, and “Effendi” exits with all the player’s respective talents meshing with smooth dynamics and exciting interaction.
A listen that was probably as much fun to make as it is to listen to, Fabian and company turned a plan of 2 or 3 songs into 11 tracks we won’t soon forget.
Travels well with: Paul Kendall- Whisper Not; Andy Pratt- Trio