Rue Sakayama
Craig Taborn (Minneapolis, 1970) is an American musician and composer in the jazz, improvisational, and creative music scene. An undeniable figure of experimental music, his style resonates with the public through a peculiar and gripping style of playing that explores the tones and overtones of the piano at length.
In 1988, Taborn joined the College of Literature, Science and the Arts at the University of Michigan. There, he got his first musical break as part of the renowned James Carter’s band, with whom he’ll collaborate until the end of the 1990s. His personal career kept growing throughout the 1990s as he involved himself in various musical projects with and without collaborators, and properly took root in the 2000s with his first solo concert in New York.
Taborn’s talents include synthesizers and organ; subsequently, he drew many musicians into his orbit. Throughout his career, he played and recorded with many eminent names in various musical fields, including Roscoe Mitchell, Wadada Leo Smith, Lester Bowie, and Dave Holland, to name a few.
Awards
2009 and 2010 Down Beat critics - electric keyboard rising star winner.
2011 Down Beat critics - Electric keyboard category; Rising star in both the piano and organ categories.
2012 North Sea Jazz Festival - Paul Acket Award.
2013 JazzTimes - Best Piano Player.
2014 Jazz Journalists Association - Pianist of the Year award.
2014 Doris Duke Artist Award