Founded by saxophonist/composer Jason Shapiro and percussionist/composer Skip Rohrich, 53 Stations focuses on original works as well as undiscovered gems by composers such as Steve Lacy, Herbie Nichols, Carla Bley and Greg Osby, who are well known but rarely performed. Shapiro and Rohrich met in 1997 and immediately realized a shared passion for non-standard jazz and a shared commitment to forging a new sound. They cultivated a musical relationship over the next several years, and finally formed 53 Stations in 2004. The group has performed in venues throughout Philadelphila and Delaware and recently completed their second album, 'The Hilltop Sessons'.

Jason Shapiro is a post-bop tenor/soprano saxophonist influenced by such sax greats as Sonny Rollins, Wayne Shorter and Gary Thomas. Shapiro began to play jazz while at Indiana University and thrived while playing lead alto in Dominic Spera’s big band. Upon graduation, Shapiro switched to tenor and began working with various groups in New York and Philadelphia. In 1999, he met and began studying with Greg Osby. A few years later, Shapiro decided to more deeply pursue his interest in composition by working with twentieth century composer Ron Surak. Osby’s unique approach to improvisation and Surak’s serial approach to composition helped forge Shapiro’s style as an improviser and as a composer.

Though a drummer, Skip Rohrich considers soprano saxophonist Steve Lacy and pianist Paul Bley to be his main musical influences and enjoys introducing these musicians to audiences which even though may be fairly knowledgeable about jazz, often have no idea who these two remarkable musicians are. He has been fortunate to have studied with many fine teachers over the years including George Gaber, Michael Rosen, and Duncan Patton in Classical percussion, but considers the summer he spent studying with jazz drummer Barry Altschul to have been the most influential on his development as a jazz musician. Skip was recently awarded a 2007 Individual Artist Fellowship in jazz performance from the Delaware Division of the Arts.