Jazz pianist Taber Gable, who learned to play at the Joy of Music School and went on to graduate from the Juilliard School in New York City, has just released his first solo album — and it’s a beauty. Titled “Hidden Driveways,” the 11-track recording combines jazz with R&B, 1980s pop and more. Careful listeners will hear references to George Duke, Mr. Mister, Go West, Todd Rundgren and Frank Zappa. “I wanted to make it as eclectic as possible,” says Taber, who just turned 29. “In New York I’m known for straight-ahead, Village Vanguard-type jazz standards. I have no problem with that. But I definitely use jazz as a platform to explore other styles. This album will allow people to see a different side of me and different places that I call home — different ‘driveways,’ if you will.” The album is available for download on Bandcamp and is playing on all the major streaming services. Taber is back in Knoxville “for the foreseeable future” after six years in New York, where he was working as a performing musician before Covid-19 put an end to most live shows. He is settling in nicely, teaching some piano lessons online and appearing as the host of WUOT-FM’s “Improvisations” jazz show Thursdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. We’ll be giving away copies of Taber’s CD to generous donors as part of our Holiday Sparkles & Spirits fundraiser on Dec. 8!