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 jaz came “after seeing the Glenn Miller Story when I was twelve.” 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.”

Katie Gearty and Tanner Taylor © Andrea Canter

Citing as primary muses Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, Benny Green, and the Count Basie Orchestra, 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 Winter and Hot Summer Jazz Festivals and performers at every venue, from the Dakota and AQ to Rossi’s, Sophia’s and more. But perhaps his most frequent gig is with a vocalist—weekly at the Times with Katie Gearty and often at Sophia’s and Rossi’s with singers such as Christine Rosholt, Maud Hixson, Arne Fogel, Vicky Mountain and more.

Tanner notes that backing a vocalist requires a different approach than when comping for an instrumentalist or leading is own trio. “I try to think/arrange as if the piano is the Basie band, or George Shearing trio (or something). It's a matter of structured arrangement on the spot, and trying to keep it in good taste. With an instrumentalist, you've got a bit more freedom to play
out. With the trio I have all the space I want to play as much as I want. Playing with the trio kind of pushes me to a higher level of creativity.”

That higher level of creativity will be on full display this Saturday night at the Artists Quarter when the Tanner Taylor Trio (featuring AQ owner/drummer Kenny Horst) takes the stage. With a $10 cover PLUS free CD (the late Bobby Peterson),this show is a steal. (But then, we do get a certain amount of pleasure every time we steal from Iowa!)

The Artists Quarter is located at St. Peter Street and 7^th Place in the lower level of the Hamm Building in downtown St. Paul; www.artistsquarter.com. You can also hear Tanner Taylor with the Dave Karr Quartet at the AQ on Friday night, December 29th!

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