Jun 14, 2023
For this episode of Pass the Mic: Creating a Stage for Change, we sat down to chat with two Knoxville based jazz pianists: Donald Brown and Taber Gable. These two talented musicians represent different generations, yet share some common experiences and a passion for nurturing others in their East Tennessee communities through the arts.
Donald Brown is an accomplished pianist, composer, and producer. He grew up in Memphis Tennessee, and is one of eleven children. He began studying piano at Memphis State in 1972. During his time in Memphis, Donald performed with artists like Rufus Thomas, The Soul Children, and Al Green. He performed in Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers prior to taking a teaching position at Berklee College of Music for several years. He then moved to Knoxville to become a member of the jazz faculty at the University of Tennessee, where he taught for the next 32 years.
Taber Gable grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee and began playing piano at age 9. He began taking lessons at the Joy of Music School, and had opportunities to study with a number of instructors including Donald Brown and Jerry Coker. He earned bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Hartford, then went on to earn a master’s degree in Jazz Performance at the Juilliard School where studied under Kenny Barron and Wynton Marsalis among others. Taber released his debut record, Hidden Driveways, in 2020, which reflects his eclectic musical influences. He currently hosts the radio program Improvisations on WUOT.
Pass the Mic: Creating a Stage
for Change provides an opportunity for artists from marginalized
and underserved communities to share their art with others. Through
concerts/performances, visual art displays, discussions and panels
focusing on important issues, and educational opportunities,
artists have the chance to engage with the community. The Tennessee
Theatre is proud to provide a space for audiences and artists to
better understand one another.
This podcast is brought to you by the Historic Tennessee Theatre,
produced by Becky Hancock and Cecilia Wright, and engineered and
edited by Ben McLaughlin. Music composition, sound design, and
additional production assistance is provided by William Wright.
This project is being supported in part by The Tennessee Arts
Commission. Graphics by Danica Thompkins.
Song credits (listed in order of appearance):
“I Didn’t Know What Time It Was”, Donald Brown, from Piano Short Stories
“Grammy’s Bathwater”, Donald Brown, from Wurd on the Skreet
“Unspoken Realities”, Taber Gable, from Hidden Driveways
“Enchanté!”, Donald Brown, from Enchanté!
“Susie”, Taber Gable, from Hidden Driveways
“Bad Case of the Blues”, Donald Brown, from Early Bird
“Prayer for My People”, Taber Gable, from Hidden Driveways