Virtuoso: A person who excels in musical TECHNIQUE OR EXECUTION.
One of the West Coast’s premier piano & keyboard geniuses, Robert Turner has featured with everyone from Stevie Wonder to Dr. Dre., to Kamasi Washington…
With a style that is reminiscent of Errol Garner, Gene Harris, Art Tatum and Keith Jarrett, the Los Angeles native initially cut his teeth playing organ as a youngster in the Baptist Church, in Crenshaw, a suburb of his native Los Angeles.
After finishing his music studies at Sacramento State College, Turner went on to a 10-year stint touring in China, having signed to a Jazz Record label there. Once back in Los Angeles, he would once again hook up with old friends such as Kamasi Washington, Miles Mosely, Brandon Coleman, Stanley Clark, Ryan Cross, and James Tormé.
Quips Tormé. “Time went by, but the chemistry remained the same. Every night we go out and surprise each other.It reminds me of the relationship between my father Mel and the great George Shearing. It all feels spontaneous, yet comfortable, which is an ideal situation in a jazz show.”
In 2022, the two long-time collaborators co-founded the West Coast Collective, East On Melrose, debuting their all original material to delighted fans at Bottlerock Festival, in Napa, CA.
What the industry says:
““You need to do a solo album.” ”
““This cat can really play.””
““A phenomenal young pianist, who performed brilliantly with me.””
““When I first met Robert, I found him somewhat shy. Then I heard him play He was bluesy. But he could swing, and he did it with just enough notes .”
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