One of the most innovative keyboard players of his generation, Craig Taborn comes into the Village Vanguard this week with his equally creative cohorts, bassist Thomas Morgan and drummer Gerald Cleaver, April 3-8.

Craig Taborn©Andrea Canter

Pianist/Fender Rhodes master Craig Taborn grew up in Golden Valley, MN, where he frequently jammed with future Bad Plus icons Reid Anderson and David King. He first attracted attention as a student at the University of Michigan, and by the mid-90s was holding the piano chair for Detroit sax sensation James Carter. His compositions and chops pushed beyond mainstream and he became a regular collaborator with such innovative musicians as Roscoe Mitchell, Susie Ibarra, Dave Douglas, Chris Potter, Steve Coleman, David Binney, Gerald Cleaver, Drew Gress, Tim Berne, and Vijay Iyer. He has released four recordings: his self-titled debut (DIW), Light Made Lighter (Thirsty Ear), the highly acclaimed Junk Magic (Thirsty Ear), and his remarkable solo effort, Avenging Angel (ECM), which hit many “best of 2011” lists. Noted the Boston Phoenix, “Taborn doesn’t simply transfer acoustic piano ideas to the Rhodes — he thinks orchestrally, in terms of timbres, and makes effective use of the instrument’s special sound, especially its ‘sub-bass’ effects.” Adds Tim Berne, “It doesn’t really matter what he plays. I think he’s one of the most incredible musicians alive.” Downbeat critics agree, naming him tops on Electric Keyboards and Rising Star/Piano in 2011.

Gerald Cleaver

Drummer Gerald Clever, a Detroit native, followed in the footsteps of his drummer father, John Cleaver. Having soaked up the jazz traditions of Motor City, he went on to study at the University of Michigan where he met Craig Taborn, and later joined the U of M and later Michigan State University faculties before moving to New York. His collaborators have included Joe Morris, Mat Maneri, Roscoe Mitchell, Miroslav Vitous, Ralp Alessi, David Torn, Mario Pavone and Craig Taborn. He has led ensembles Veil of Names, Uncle June, Violet Hour, NiMbNl, and Farmers By Nature (with William Parker and Craig Taborn).

The Village Vanguard is located at 178 Seventh Av South in Greenwich Village, Manhattan; www.villagevanguard.com; shows at 9 and 11 pm nightly.

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