A multi-instrumentalist known for his sophisticated crossover jazz sound, Jason Carroll, aka Skinny Hightower, emerged in the mid-2000s as an adept drummer, pianist, and bassist. Following his time in the Army, he issued a self-produced album, Cloud Nine, before signing with Trippin 'n' Rhythm Records for 2017's Emotions. Born Jason Carroll in 1985 in Wichita, Kansas, Hightower became interested in music as a young child, and started playing drums around age two. By age eight he was playing in church and studying piano with his mother. He added bass to his repertoire at age 12, around which time he also began experimenting with creating beats on his computer. Initially exposed to his parents' jazz and gospel albums, by his teens Hightower was listening to an array of artists including Stevie Wonder, Kirk Franklin, Tony Williams, Dennis Chambers, and more. Buoyed by a heavy practice routine, he excelled quickly, and played in his high-school marching and concert bands. However, after high school, he turned down a full-ride college music scholarship in order to help support his family. During this period, he found work playing in a variety of local groups, and even issued an independently produced album, Cool, as Jason Carroll & the Smooth Jazz Symphony. In 2012, he joined the Army and served for five years (including three months in Afghanistan) before being honorably discharged following his mother's death. Returning home, he released his first album under the stage name Skinny Hightower, 2016's Cloud Nine, which he dedicated to his mother. He then signed with Trippin 'n' Rhythm Records and issued his sophomore album, Emotions, in 2017. ~ Matt Collar