Pianist Tanner Taylor moved to the Twin Cities from Jefferson, Iowa, in 2001, and Minnesota jazz fans’ jaws have been dropping ever since.  Tanner is a young talent who always wows a crowd, whether he’s applying his signature simpatico accompaniment to the work of top vocalists, performing with groups like world beat artists Tickle Fight, backing greats including David “Fathead” Newman and Lew Tabackin, or leading his own trio.  Tanner’s exciting and fluid style is a great match for the book of jazz legend Oscar Peterson, the late Canadian marvel best known for speed, dexterity, and loads of swing.  Peterson, who emerged in the 1940s and remained active until his death in 2007, had the ability to play an incredible volume of notes during any passage without seeming excessive – and always sounding right, tasteful and brilliant.  A true giant of jazz piano interpreted by a rising star.

Check out this video of Tanner performing "Waltz for Debbie" at eh Bobby Peterson Tribute on Feb. 15, 2008 /www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQtDFYm8cN0