by Andrea Canter

Tanner Taylor © Andrea Canter

“I began classical training when I was about six,” notes Tanner, and shortly thereafter he started composing his own tunes. But his initial inspiration to try jazz came after seeing the Glenn Miller Story when he was 12. In addition to playing piano, Taylor took up jazz trombone, playing both instruments through high school. His music education was eclectic: “I studied most notably with Jack Oatts, Gary Dial of the Manhattan School of Music, classical instructors Chuck and Virginia Radke, and took one year of composition at the University of Northern Iowa.” Jack Oatts also created Tanner’s first professional opportunity, when at fourteen “my first pro gig was at a place in Carroll, IA with the Jack Oatts Quartet.”

Oscar Peterson played a pivotal role in young Taylor’s decision to pursue mainstream jazz. “Oscar Peterson is responsible for me playing traditional jazz,” he recently told MinnPost.com. “Originally I was more interested in big band music and swing. Then I heard Oscar Peterson’s Affinity [a 1962 trio album with bassist Ray Brown and drummer Ed Thigpen] and wanted to be a jazz piano player.”

Citing Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, Benny Green, and the Count Basie Orchestra as significant sources of inspiration, Tanner notes that “lack of good gigs in Iowa” motivated his move to the Twin Cities. “Plus,” he says, “I got a job as a piano technician for the Yamaha Piano Corporation.” He’s had no trouble getting gigs ever since, finding himself a frequent first-call keyboardist for the Twin Cities’ Jazz Festivals, backing the finest area musicians and such acclaimed touring artists as David Fathead Newman, Eric Alexander, Sean Jones and Barbara Morrison. He regularly performs with Dave Karr’s Mulligan Stew and the world beat band Tickle Fight, the new Dakota Trio (with Gordy Johnson and Phil Hey), and leads his own trio at the Dakota Jazz Club and Artists Quarter. He also frequently gigs with vocalists Connie Evingson, Nichola Miller, Arne Fogel and Christine Rosholt, appearing on Christine’s new release, Lipstick.

The late Oscar Peterson was considered one of the hardest swinging and technically gifted pianists of all time. Still in his 20s, Tanner Taylor has quickly earned the reputation as one of the hardest swinging, technically gifted pianists in our region. Spend an exciting afternoon with Taylor and the memory of Oscar on March 22.

The Bloomington Center for the Arts is located at 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd, Bloomington. FFI and tickets, call (952) 563-8575. Tickets are $20, and $18, TCJS members, seniors, students.