Fabien Enger Trio: Failure is an Option
Fabien Enger (trumpet), Justin Griggs (piano, keyboards), Shakour Sanders (percussion)
"Failure is an Option" emerged from Philadelphia's jazz and avant-garde scene, where surprises
lie around every corner. With trumpet, flugelhorn, and mutes, Fabien Enger shapes a lively
dialogue alongside the dynamic percussion of Shakoor Hakeem, while the gifted Justin Griggs
adds bold harmonies, moving effortlessly from Rhodes and Moog to the Hammond B3 and
prepared piano. United by a common drive to create a living, experimental music, the trio
transforms every performance into a new journey of exploration. Their sound is more than just a
meeting of instruments—it's a fusion of musical paths. Justin’s roots in gospel, soul, R&B, and
hip-hop flow from the influences he found in church and at home, while Fabien’s European
background melds seamlessly with Shakoor's West African and Afro-Cuban rhythms, refined
during his time in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Yoruba ceremonies. Together, they shape a raw, eclectic,
and ever-evolving sound that constantly reinvents itself. Each show is a unique experience where
sounds grow, collide, and transform in real time, drawing the audience into a captivating, spiritual
sonic voyage. The trio's palpable chemistry and deep camaraderie allow musical languages to
blend and evolve naturally, creating a space where authenticity thrives, and listeners are at the
core of the creative process.
Fabien Enger (trumpet)
Fabien Enger stands out as one of the most promising new voices in the emerging
French jazz wave, excelling as a trumpeter, improviser, bandleader, and composer.
His remarkable journey between the US and Europe demonstrates his exceptional
talent, making his artistry authentic, grounded, and creative.
After being awarded a Fulbright scholarship (2022) and the Arnaud Roujou de
Boubée prize (2023), Fabien Enger graduated in 2024 with a Master of Music in
Jazz Studies from Temple University in Philadelphia. During his time there, he studied
under the guidance of world-class musicians like Terell Stafford, John Swana, Tim
Warfield, Justin Faulkner, Dick Oatts, Elio Villafranca, and Tony Kadleck, among
others.
Beyond his role as a bandleader, Fabien has shared the stage with an impressive
roster of musicians spanning generations and genres. His collaborations have seen
him perform with an array of renowned artists, including local Philly legends and
well-established performers to some of the brightest talents of his generation. These include Bobby Zankel, Nazir Ebo,
Immanuel Wilkins, Chad Taylor, Robin Eubanks, Lee Smith, Sumi Tonooka, Pheeroan akLaff, Shakoor Hakeem, Denis
Badault, Jean Gobinet, Andy Emler, Baptiste Herbin, and Misja Fitzgerald Michel, among others.
Born and raised in France, Fabien’s musical journey has been shaped by both classical and jazz training at
conservatories in Paris, Metz, and Strasbourg. He has received numerous accolades across Europe and the United
States. He was the second prize winner at the Inner Urge Music Competition (2022) and received the "Outstanding
Musicianship" award at the Umbria Jazz/Berklee College of Music Clinics (2022). His admission to the inaugural
edition of Footprints Europe in Łódź, Poland (2021) further cemented his position as an emerging voice in the global
jazz community. As a recipient of the NOUS Foundation (2023) and the Arthur King Peters Memorial Travel Grant
(2024), he had the opportunity to deepen his American experience by immersing himself in the rich, vibrant, and
historic jazz scenes of New Orleans, New York City, Washington D.C., and Chicago. These multiple artistic residencies
and research projects allowed him to showcase his original music, connect with local artists, and engage with
representatives from each city’s prominent musical and cultural institutions.
Fabien Enger’s new duo album, Off the Seabed, recorded with Philadelphian piano prodigy Justin Griggs and funded
by a Temple University grant (CPCA Vice Provost for the Arts Student Grant), will be released by Inner Urge Records
in the fall of 2024.
Justin Griggs (piano)
Justin Griggs discovered his passion for music at the age
of 2, when he began playing sounds he heard around
him on a toy piano. His first rendition of Beethoven's
"Moonlight Sonata" sparked a lifelong love affair with
music. As he grew up, Justin expanded his horizons,
exploring various instruments and drawing inspiration
from gospel, jazz, R&B, blues, and rock. By the age of
8, he was already performing every Sunday at his local
church, surrounded by family.
His journey led him to Juniata Park Academy, where he
discovered the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts. This institution has shaped the artistic growth of
many Philadelphia musicians, including Immanuel Wilkins, Christian McBride, Jaleel Shaw, and Johnathan Blake. At the
Clef Club, and later at the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA), Justin's exceptional talent
earned him multiple awards in local and national jazz competitions. His curiosity and creativity drive him to explore
new musical paths through his compositions and arrangements constantly.
More than just a performer, Justin is also a composer, arranger, and songwriter, with a mission to express himself
across all genres. He uses his talent to support causes he cares deeply about, playing at events for organizations like
the Families Against Mandatory Foundation and the African American Museum in Philadelphia. He has performed in
prestigious venues such as the Kimmel Center and collaborated with renowned institutions, including the Harlem Ballet
Dance Company and Berklee College of Music.
Now in his third year at Temple University, Justin remains committed to sharing his love for music. Through every
performance, he aims to touch hearts, bringing joy and inspiration to his audiences with his art and talent.
Shakoor Hakeem (percussions)
Fearless percussionist Shakoor Hakeem, a prolific up-and-coming talent,
has a gift - making experimental, Afro-diasporan, rhythmic
improvisational music immediately enjoyable. Hakeem’s unique old soul
has him adhering to the cultural traditions of mysticism and folklore,
within which are contained the secrets of his elders. The mythical
experience of his stage presence evokes feelings that you are witness
to a ceremonial gathering, of an ancient rhythmic history. In building this,
he has long supported many of the most forward-thinking legendary
improvisers, including Antione Roney, Graham Haynes, Immanuel
Wilkins, Joel Ross, Adam Rudolph, Bobby Zankel, and Wallace Roney.
Performing live with these great artists, he refrains from over-playing and
prefers minimalism, playing within the musical, compositional contexts
of colors and texture, delivering limited solos, all the while occupying the
eye of the hurricane.