Who are some of the best jazz pianists?

Jazz is a genre of music that has been enjoyed by many people all over the world for decades. Jazz pianists play a key role in this genre, and there are many skilled musicians who have made significant contributions to the world of jazz piano. Here are some of the best jazz pianists, according to various sources:

1. Thelonious Monk
   Thelonious Monk is widely regarded as one of the most influential jazz pianists of all time. His unique style of playing, which included unusual harmonies and rhythmic patterns, helped to shape the sound of modern jazz. Monk’s compositions, such as “Round Midnight” and “Straight, No Chaser,” are now considered jazz standards.

2. Bill Evans
   Bill Evans was another influential jazz pianist, known for his lyrical and introspective style of playing. His recordings, such as “Sunday at the Village Vanguard,” are considered some of the greatest jazz albums of all time. Evans also played with Miles Davis on the seminal album “Kind of Blue.”

3. Art Tatum
   Art Tatum was a virtuoso pianist known for his incredible technical skill and ability to play at lightning-fast speeds. He was a major influence on other jazz pianists, including Oscar Peterson and Erroll Garner.

4. Keith Jarrett
   Keith Jarrett is a jazz pianist known for his improvisational skills and his ability to play in a wide variety of styles. He has recorded albums in genres ranging from classical to jazz fusion, and his solo piano recordings, such as “The Köln Concert,” are considered classics of the genre.

5. Chick Corea
   Chick Corea was a jazz pianist and composer who played with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Miles Davis and Stan Getz. He was known for his fusion of jazz and rock music, and his compositions, such as “Spain” and “500 Miles High,” are considered jazz standards.

6. Herbie Hancock
   Herbie Hancock is another influential jazz pianist who has had a long and varied career. He has played with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Miles Davis and Wayne Shorter, and his compositions, such as “Watermelon Man” and “Cantaloupe Island,” are considered jazz classics.

These are just a few of the many great jazz pianists who have left their mark on the world of music. Their contributions to the genre continue to be celebrated and studied by musicians and music lovers alike. Sources consulted for this article include JazzTimes, NPR, and AllMusic.