In a hurry? Here are our top 5 jazz pianists

1. Art Tatum (1909 – 1956) 

2. Thelonious Monk (1917 – 1982) 

3. Mary Lou Williams (1910 – 1981) 

4. Bill Evans (1929 – 1980) 

5. Dave Brubeck (1920 – 2012)

Different types of jazz music 

Swing

Swing jazz emerged in the 1930s. It’s lively, has a danceable rhythm, and boasts big band arrangements. Often led by a prominent pianist, swing features strong walking basslines, syncopated melodies, and call-and-response patterns between sections of the band. Count Basie and Duke Ellington are iconic figures in this style. 

Bebop

Bebop developed in the 1940s as a more complex, improvisation-driven style. With fast tempos, intricate melodies, and unexpected harmonic changes, bebop is less focused on dance and more on musical exploration and improvisation. Pianists like Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk were key to this innovative movement. 

Post-bop

Post-bop emerged in the 1960s, blending elements of bebop, modal jazz, and free jazz. It’s known for its experimental nature, with shifting time signatures and rich harmonic textures. Herbie Hancock and Ahmad Jamal are two key pianists who brought this style to life.

Cool jazz

Unlike bebop and post-bop, cool jazz has relaxed tempos, smooth phrasing, and a lighter tone. Emerging in the late 1940s, it contrasted the fiery energy of bebop, with pianists like Dave Brubeck showcasing how subtlety and sophistication are beautiful elements of the genre. 

Modal jazz

Modal jazz focuses on improvisation over musical modes rather than chord progressions. As Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue (1959) and John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme (1964) demonstrate in such an iconic way, modal jazz gives musicians the space to experiment and create interesting, rule-bending harmonies.

Smooth jazz

Smooth jazz combines elements of jazz, R&B, and pop, creating a polished and accessible sound. It’s often driven by a mellow, rhythmic feel and simple harmonies, with pianists like Bob James shaping the genre.

Free jazz

Free jazz is entirely improvisational, breaking away from traditional harmony and structure. Pianists like Cecil Taylor helped define this avant-garde style.

The best jazz pianists 

1. Art Tatum (1909 – 1956) 

Art Tatum is one of the most revered jazz pianists, particularly in stride and swing styles. He had an unmatched technical ability, demonstrated with lightning-fast runs and sophisticated harmonic innovations. Known for his interpretations of standards like “Tea for Two” and “Tiger Rag”, Tatum brought complexity to these pieces. His improvisational skills, which effortlessly blended melody and harmony, set a benchmark for jazz pianists. 

What truly sets Tatum apart is his ability to maintain clarity and expressiveness at extraordinary speeds, making him an influential figure in jazz history. 

Recommended listening: “Tea for Two”  

2. Thelonious Monk (1917 – 1982) 

Thelonious Monk was a trailblazer in jazz. In fact, he’s known for pioneering bebop. His music is instantly recognisable – you’ll hear angular melodies, unexpected harmonies, and a bold use of rhythm and silence in Monk’s work as well as amazing improvisation that was innovative at the time and now truly timeless.

His impact on jazz is immeasurable. Classics like “‘Round Midnight” and “Straight, No Chaser” have become staples in the genre, showcasing his genius and leaving a legacy for future jazz musicians.

Monk had a unique approach to the piano; he could blend stride techniques with dissonance and abrupt pauses, setting him apart from other jazz pianists. In essence, his ability to create music with sparse notes and silence redefined jazz piano. 

Recommended listening:”Round Midnight” 

3. Mary Lou Williams (1910 – 1981) 

At number three on our list, we have Mary Lou Williams. Williams was a groundbreaking jazz pianist, composer, and arranger, whose career spanned swing, bebop, and third-stream jazz. Her compositions showcased blues and classical influences combined to create a new, innovative sound. 

Williams was renowned for her arrangements for Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman, as well as her mentorship of jazz legends like Thelonious Monk and Charlie Parker. She is best known for Zodiac Suite, which is a lesson in blending jazz and classical elements. It’s a work of art. A true pioneer, Mary Lou Williams’ versatility, talent, and creative vision left a profound impact on the evolution of jazz. 

Recommended listening: “The Devil”

4. Bill Evans (1929 – 1980) 

A key figure in modal and post-bop jazz, Bill Evans was impressively lyrical and inventive in his melodies and harmonies. He’s best remembered for his work on Miles Davis’s Kind of Blue, the best-selling jazz album of all time, and for leading trios that redefined ensemble interplay.

If you want to hear Evans’ music in all its glory, listen to “Waltz for Debby” and “Peace Piece”. These showcase his blend of classical sophistication and jazz freedom, cementing his legacy as one of jazz’s greatest pianists. 

Recommended listening: “Waltz for Debby”

5. Dave Brubeck (1920 – 2012)

As a leading pianist in cool jazz and West Coast jazz, Dave Brubeck is known for his inventive use of time signatures and blending classical influences with jazz. His music frequently featured unconventional rhythms and tonalities, as showcased in his legendary album Time Out, which includes the jazz standard “Take Five”.

Brubeck’s innovative approach and accessible style made jazz more mainstream, while his collaborations with Paul Desmond in the Dave Brubeck Quartet became iconic.

Recommended listening: “Take Five”  

6. Herbie Hancock (1940 – )

Taking sixth place on our list is Herbie Hancock, a groundbreaking pianist and composer, known for his contributions to post-bop, fusion, and funk-infused jazz. His innovative playing combines technical brilliance with genre-defying experimentation, which is why he’s seen as one of jazz’s most influential figures.

Hancock’s work with the Miles Davis Quintet in the 1960s helped define post-bop, while his later albums, such as Head Hunters, pioneered jazz fusion, integrating electronic instruments and funk grooves. 

Recommended listening: “Chameleon” 

7. Bud Powell (1924 – 1966) 

Bud Powell’s virtuoso piano technique and improvisation contributed to the development of bebop jazz. He transformed the role of the piano in jazz, crafting horn-like solos with intricate phrasing and lightning-fast runs, all while maintaining harmonic sophistication. 

Powell is best known for compositions like “Un Poco Loco” and “Bouncing with Bud”, which have become jazz standards. We also think of his work with legends like Charlie Parker and Max Roach when reflecting on Powell’s impact on modern jazz piano – his influence has stood the test of time, solidifying him as one of the greats.

Recommended listening: “Un Poco Loco”  

8. Chick Corea (1941 – 2021) 

As a household name, Chick Corea is simply one of those artists that you just know, possibly before you have even heard his musical genius at work. Corea was a versatile jazz pianist and composer in jazz fusion, post-bop, and Latin jazz.

Renowned for his technical brilliance and creativity, Corea played a key role in shaping modern jazz. He gained prominence with Miles Davis’s band during the birth of jazz fusion and later formed Return to Forever, blending jazz with rock and Latin influences. 

Songs such as “Spain” and “500 Miles High” are jazz standards to this day.

Recommended listening: “Spain” 

9. Jamie Cullum (1979 –) 

As one of the more modern jazz pianists to make the list, Jamie Cullum is a jazz-pop artist whose work bridges traditional jazz with modern influences. Known for blending swing, bebop, and contemporary pop elements, he creates a crossover appeal that brings jazz to wider audiences.

Cullum’s live performances are multi-faceted – a trove of impressive skills combined into one dynamic show. There’s, of course, the remarkable piano playing, but Cullum also incorporates beatboxing (including rhythmically striking the outside of the piano) and looping into his music. 

He rose to fame with his album Twentysomething, which became a best-selling jazz album in the UK, and he’s known for hits like “All at Sea” and  “I’m All Over It” From the album The Pursuit. His unique approach to jazz certainly makes for an interesting listen.

Recommended listening: “If I Ruled the World”  

10. Cecil Taylor (1929 – 2018) 

Cecil Taylor was a pioneer of avant-garde and free jazz. He had an unorthodox style, featuring complex improvisations, polyrhythms, and percussive techniques that broke away from traditional structures. He paved the way for future jazz musicians to explore new avenues, free from any rules or boundaries.

Known for landmark works like Unit Structures, Taylor also incorporated poetry and dance into his performances, highlighting his multidisciplinary creativity. His influence on jazz improvisation and his role in the free jazz movement solidified his legacy as one of the genre’s most visionary artists. 

Recommended listening: “Jazz Advance” 

11. Ahmad Jamal (1930 – 2023) 

Ahmad Jamal was a highly influential jazz pianist known for his contributions to cool jazz and post-bop. His style focused on space and dynamic shifts, showing there’s beauty and impressive skill to be had in restraint – jazz music doesn’t always have to be fast! This approach redefined the piano trio and inspired many, including Miles Davis. 

Jamal’s most celebrated work, At the Pershing: But Not for Me, includes the classic track “Poinciana” and showcases his minimalist, rhythmic style. His ability to create tension and release in his music set him apart. 

Recommended listening: “Poinciana” 

12. Count Basie  (1904 – 1984) 

If you’re into swing and big band jazz, you’ll know Count Basie of the Count Basie Orchestra. His signature style involved a “jumping” beat, minimalistic piano playing, and the pioneering use of “head arrangements” to give his band a cohesive yet improvisational feel. Basie’s music was the perfect blend of tight rhythm sections and expressive solos. 

Basie is best known for classics like “One O’Clock Jump” and “April in Paris”.

Recommended listening: “April in Paris” 

13. Erroll Garner (1921 – 1977) 

Erroll Garner was a swing and ballad jazz pianist renowned for his distinctive style and virtuosic technique. Self-taught and unable to read music, he relied on his extraordinary ear and improvisational skill. Garner’s signature technique of playing slightly behind the beat created a relaxed yet dynamic rhythm that was uniquely his. 

He is most famous for composing the jazz standard “Misty”. His 1955 live album Concert by the Sea remains a landmark recording in jazz, cementing his place as one of jazz’s greatest. 

Recommended listening: “Misty”

14. Wynton Kelly (1931 – 1971) 

With a blues-infused style, Wynton Kelly was a well-loved bebop, hard bop, and straight-ahead jazz. Renowned for his impeccable rhythmic drive, Kelly’s playing was both vibrant and deeply expressive. His role as a sideman and accompanist is legendary, blending seamlessly with soloists while enhancing their performances. 

Kelly is best remembered for his work with Miles Davis, notably his solo on “Freddie Freeloader” from the iconic Kind of Blue album. His dynamic trio recordings and collaborations with artists like Wes Montgomery and John Coltrane further solidified his reputation as one of jazz’s finest pianists. 

Recommended listening: “Freddie Freeloader”

15. Hiromi Uehara (1979 – ) 

Hiromi Uehara, known professionally as Hiromi, is a virtuoso pianist and composer renowned for her fusion of jazz, classical, and progressive rock influences. Her music spans styles such as stride, post-bop, and jazz fusion.

Hiromi often performs with The Trio Project and is energetic, innovative, and inspiring in her work. Albums like Move and Spark showcase her intricate rhythms and genre-blending sound. One of her famous covers is of the Beatles song ‘’Blackbird’’. Her work, including performances at events like the Tokyo Olympics, has elevated her as a modern jazz icon.

Recommended listening: “Spark”

16. Horace Silver (1928 – 2014) 

Horace Silver was a leading figure in hard bop jazz, blending blues, gospel, and bebop influences into his music. Known for his catchy melodies and rhythmic drive, he helped define the genre with the likes of “Song for My Father” and “The Preacher”.  

Silver’s contributions include developing the classic quintet format and mentoring young musicians who became prominent jazz figures. His bluesy, percussive piano style, marked by simple yet memorable motifs, set him apart. 

Recommended listening: “Song for My Father”

17. Fats Waller (1904 – 1943) 

Fats Waller was a master of stride piano and a pivotal figure in the development of jazz during the swing era. Renowned for his joyful playing and charismatic stage presence, he brought a sense of humour and charm to his performances. 

Waller is best remembered for classics like “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and “Honeysuckle Rose”, which are now jazz standards. His innovative technique and rhythmic precision laid the groundwork for modern jazz piano. Additionally, his success on Broadway and in films like Stormy Weather helped popularise jazz beyond traditional audiences, solidifying his legacy as one of jazz’s all-time greats. 

Recommended listening: “Ain’t Misbehavin'”  

18. Nina Simone (1933 – 2003)

Although not specifically a jazz pianist, it’s hard to not include the wonderful Nina Simone and her impact on jazz along along with other genres. She made our top five influential female musicians for the profound impact she’s had on music as a whole. Her classical training in piano laid the foundation, but it was her fusion of jazz, classical, blues, and folk influences and soulful contralto vocals that Simone is recognised for.  

It’s not just music that makes her a legend, however, it’s her lyrics that speak of racial violence, discrimination, and the fight for civil rights. 

She was an influential figure in the civil rights movement, with powerful songs like “Mississippi Goddam” and “To Be Young, Gifted and Black”. Known as the “High Priestess of Soul”, her iconic recordings, including “Feeling Good” and “I Put a Spell on You”, remain timeless classics.  

Recommended listening: “Sinnerman”

19. Hank Jones (1918 – 2010)

Hank Jones was a master of bebop and mainstream jazz, showcased with an eloquent and lyrical piano style. With a career spanning over six decades, he recorded more than 60 albums as a bandleader and countless others as a sideman. 

Known for his work with Ella Fitzgerald and Charlie Parker, and his accompaniment of Marilyn Monroe during her famous “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” performance, Jones exemplified taste and sophistication. He was a founding member of the Great Jazz Trio and his versatility extended to Broadway and film. 

Recommended listening: “I Remember You”

20. Duke Ellington (1899 – 1974) 

Duke Ellington was a jazz giant renowned for his contributions to swing and big band music. As a composer, bandleader, and pianist, Ellington’s music transcended genres, embracing a concept he called “beyond category”.

Ellington’s legacy includes over 1,000 compositions, with classics like “Take the A Train” and “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)”. His innovative arrangements and extended compositions, such as Black, Brown, and Beige, redefined jazz. 

Recommendations listening: “It Don’t Mean a Thing”

21. Barry Harris (1929 – 2021) 

Bebop pianist Barry Harris had incredible technical precision. Known for his elegant phrasing and improvisational mastery, Harris was not only a performer but also an educator, sharing bebop’s principles with generations of musicians. 

He worked with jazz greats like Cannonball Adderley and Dexter Gordon, and his recordings, such as Barry Harris at the Jazz Workshop, showcase his artistry. 

Recommended listening: “Anachronism”

FAQs 

Who is the best jazz piano player of all time? 

The best jazz piano player of all time is often regarded as Art Tatum. Renowned for his unmatched technical brilliance and innovative improvisations, Tatum set a benchmark in jazz history. His influence extends across generations, inspiring countless musicians in jazz and beyond. 

Who is the eccentric jazz pianist? 

Many refer to Thelonious Monk as the “eccentric pianist”. Known for his unique playing style, angular melodies, and quirky personality, Monk redefined jazz piano. His compositions and performances remain a cornerstone of modern jazz.

Who is considered the best jazz composer of this era? 

The best jazz composer of this era is widely considered to be Maria Schneider. Renowned for her groundbreaking orchestral jazz works, Schneider blends rich harmonies with emotional depth. Her innovative compositions have earned critical acclaim and multiple Grammy Awards. 

Final thoughts 

There we have it, some of the best jazz pianists to have graced the stage and studio. Hopefully, this article has given you an insight into the world of jazz pianists and maybe helped you discover a new jazz pianist.

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