[2] He has cited Al Cohn[2][3] and Coleman Hawkins[2] as influences on saxophone, while his flute role models include classical players such as William Kincaid, Julius Baker, and Jean-Pierre Rampal.

He also worked with Chuck Israels in New York City[2] and a band that included Elvin Jones, Donald Byrd, and Roland Hanna.

[3] Tabackin met Toshiko Akiyoshi in 1967 while he was playing in Clark Terry's band and he was invited to sit in for Don Friedman.

Critic Scott Yanow describes Tabackin as "one of the few jazz musicians who has been able to develop completely different musical personalities on two instruments", with his forceful hard bop style on sax contrasting with his delicate flute playing.

[7] With Toshiko Akiyoshi With Donald Byrd With Benny Carter With Harmonie Ensemble/New York With Shelly Manne With Duke Pearson With Carla White With others