https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHXxgC_ddbw Mary Lou Williams It is wonderful that so many fans discuss the pianist-list – JAZZ IS ALIVE!!!!! I miss Victor Feldman most–I understand that maybe he did not have the career he might have, mostly staying in the studios. That is a strange number? His piano playing, to me was rather too simplistic and mundane when compared with the likes of Red Garland and Oscar Peterson. I think there are two important ones missing. Thankfully, his last trio with Marc Johnson and Joe LaBarbera has been well documented. MARK EISENMAN?! I agree – especially Hines at no. While I don’t agree with all the choices/rankings (who does??) His propulsive, dynamic style, with its dazzling finger-work, exerted a profound influence on both Duke Ellington’s and George Gershwin’s approach to the piano. There are a few solo piano entries in the jazz aristocrat’s extensive discography (most notably, perhaps, 1953’s The Duke Plays Ellington) that reveal the full extent of Ellington’s skills. Cutting his first solo LP in 1953, Drew recorded regularly for a variety of different labels up until his death. Visually impaired from infancy, Ohio-born Tatum learned to play the piano by ear as a child and, blessed with perfect pitch, quickly excelled at the instrument. Tristano was also a noted jazz teacher and it is claimed that his influence affected Miles Davis (on Birth Of The Cool) as well as Dave Brubeck and Gerry Mulligan. Bill Charlap deserves recognition. 43: Harold Mabern (1936-2019) I wouldn’t know who to place #1, but I’d be choosing between Evans, Mehldau and Jarrett. Another who could really deliver when the atmosphere was just right was Dorothy Donegan. Jan Johansson should be on this list. Native New Yorker Thomas “Fats” Waller didn’t live to see his 40th birthday (he succumbed to pneumonia at 39), but nevertheless proved to be an influential pianist, particularly for his contribution to the evolution of the highly rhythmic stride style, an important foundation stone in jazz piano. Gonzalo Rubalcaba (but he IS one of the great interviews, commentators, raps, talkers in the jazz world…and, in the 1960s, helped direct where the music would go.). There are a few names missing on your list, such as Vince Guaraldi, Russ Freeman, Dudley Moore, Egberto Gismonti, Claude Bolling; each of these have special talents that deserve mention. Rising jazz artists: who to look out for in 2020 Thursday, November 28, 2019 It’s that time again when we ask our crack team of writers, assorted taste-makers and trend-spotters to gaze into their crystal balls … Cheers. I guess you are glad that MICHEL PETRUCCIANI is on the list. 34: Cecil Taylor (1929-2018) I meant Lennie Tristano is #50. Waller was also an organist and composer whose repertoire included the immortal tunes “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and “Honeysuckle Rose.”. 6 Red Garland If the list would be longer, I definitely would add Jimmy Rowles, Bill Charlap and Georgy Szabados. Dr Billy Taylor, Geri Allen, Johnny Costa, Marian & Mary Lou, Claude Bolling. Oh good lord… . Did someone forget Marian McPartland? How this list can omit John Lewis, proves a point I always make that he is/was the most under rated pianist there is.. Hasaan Ibn Ali James P Johnson Sometimes I think Garner was not human. How is it possible to have this large a list without either Chucho Valdes or Bobby Enriquez? No one has a timeless list of The Greatest. For me there is Art Tatum, Oscar Peterson and then everybody else. This is why I’m against lists or tallys of who are the greatest this or that . 14 Earl Hines A list like this is never going to please anyone. From Duquesne, Pennsylvania, Earl “Fatha” Hines was a key figure in the evolution of jazz piano-playing. To me, Keith Jarrett is very overrated. Even she wouldn’t think she should be on this list! 10. Born Columbus Calvin Pearson in Atlanta, Georgia, Pearson’s career took off when he moved to New York City in 1959. : Unacceptable. And note Erroll looked and sounded like he was having the time of his life-tragically died too young from lung cacer at 55yrs. He spent two years with Charles Mingus, as well as working with Eric Dolphy and Roland Kirk. Teddy Wilson 21 WTF? A troubled soul, this New Jersey pianist was plagued with drug addiction problems throughout his adult life and professional career, but it didn’t stop him producing a remarkably beautiful and consistent body of work. At 88 yrs I have heard most of the musicians on the various lists. 40: Cedar Walton (1934-2013) the knowledge and know how are stretched throughout the entire history of jazz piano. Nevertheless, we must find a way to include several outstanding persons not on the list, in my order of priority they are: Johnny O’neal, Phineas Newborn Jr, Terry Pollard and Mulgrew Miller. Second to none. Though his lyrical approach to the piano was undoubtedly indebted to Bill Evans and Keith Jarrett, Petrucciani, who died at 36, nevertheless had an individual sound and style. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_jazz_pianists&oldid=1010085123, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 3 March 2021, at 18:38. An eclectic, versatile pianist who also played saxophone, Massachusetts-born Byard’s own music drew on everything from ragtime to free jazz and also covered all styles in between. 9 Art Tatum S l’on se concentrait un peu sur les pianistes actuels; certes il y a la technique pure , mais surtout l’émotion que seuls certains savent transmettre en concert live. 3 McCoy Tyner 15 Jelly Roll Morton Pete Johnson Nat King Cole was marvelous. Bobby Enriquez is my favorite! He’s been my big discovery in recent years with “Leapin’ and Lopin'” and “Cool Struttin'” especially. 5 Oscar Peterson Reply Gerald Mason He was a friend of OSCAR PETERSON but had lines that related more towards TEDDY WILSON. Whenever I scroll through these lists I am pleased to find my CD collection has so many of the folks listed!! Way overrated: Chick Corea, Dave Brubeck, Ramsey Lewis, Absolutely agree with you assessment – and Gene Harris deserve a spot. I’m pretty confident it will be just as long before we have another Erroll Garner. From iconic bandleaders to unique talents, the best jazz pianists both shaped the genre and revolutionized the role of the piano in music. She is much admired by jazz pianists and the few jazz radio stations that still exist (e. g., KCSM). But the piano has played an important role in the development of the genre, both as a spotlighted solo instrument and due to its role in the rhythm section, and the world’s best jazz pianists have elevated it to a crucial element of any jazz ensemble. This list may not reflect recent changes ().M Manfred Mann (musician) Jon Marks Janette Mason Andrew … That’s the way to see it ! Jazz began to be played by British … He played with many greats including ART FARMER. Where’s Marian McPartland, Bill Charlap, Joe Augustine? Charlie Parker, asked in an interview who would be hs favorite pianists, answered quickly “Al Haig.” The interviewer hesitated a bit obviously waiting for other names. Originally from Red Bank, New Jersey, Bill Basie rose to fame during the big-band swing epoch with popular tunes such as “One O’clock Jump.” He usually led from the piano, adhering to a minimalistic less-is-more aesthetic and employing forceful percussive accenting and octaves so that his bluesy notes cut through the full band sound. Marrying his jazz DNA with funk, R&B, rock, and pop elements, Hunter is the author of an unclassifiable sound and style that makes his a unique voice among the world’s best jazz guitarists. Don Shirley? Indeed, whittling it down was not an easy task, but we’ve persevered and come up with a list of names that we believe represent the most important ivory-ticklers of the genre. Though he gleaned much from the left-hand stride-style of Art Tatum, alto saxophonist and bebop architect Charlie Parker was Powell’s main inspiration. 25 Kenny Kirkland He also made many recordings under his own name, but today is mostly remembered as Billie Holiday’s accompanist. He died and was buried in Copenhagen. Randy Weston? Agree with many comments,especially Marion MacPartland. 30: Hank Jones (1918-2010) He’s head and shoulders more talented than many on the list. I would have included John Lewis and everybody has their own list but this is YOUR list so there should be no criticism at all. And there is no way he should be higher up the list than Bud Powell. Where is Joe Sample, brad mehldau, and Carlos ruvacabla? He played with many of the jazz bands in the 30s and 40s Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey to name a few, and he had his own radio show. Duke Ellington! How could you do this! 8 Keith Jarrett Gospel music left an indelible mark on Timmons and its DNA can be detected in his playing and much of the music he wrote, which included the classic tunes “Moanin’,” “This Here,” and “Dat Dere,” which earned him his place among the best jazz pianists for laying the blueprint for what became known as soul jazz in the late 50s and early 60s. Diana Krall? Nat king Cole was a jazz pianist before he became a singer. There is some terrific stuff there, let’s say he maybe could have snuck into the Top 36 if he focused on piano instead of bass, not chops wise but getting music out of those 88 keys wise. No Lenny Tristano at the list?How is this possible?Dave Grusin on the list? Tete Montoliu belongs very high on the list. Jazz Pianists? DID YOU INCLUDE DAVE MCKENNA? What about Milt Buckner, Shirley Horn, Beegie Adair, Diana Krall, Joe Sample ?? And Brad Mehldau, of course. POR LO VISTO NO ENTRAN MUJERES, LAS MENCIONADAS Y HAZEL SCOTT. Há outros e bem melhores!!! By 13, he was playing professionally, and at 18 recorded the first of many LPs. 3. Had people cheering and crying at the 2003 Monterey Jazz Festival. I have no use for the percussive style virtually devoid of dynamics that many exhibit. The list should be extended to at least 88 names without ranking them. Though revered by the critics, Byard’s unique sound was less well-received by the public, but he remains one of the best jazz pianists in history, not only because of his impact on jazz in general, but also in relation to his role in the evolution of the piano itself. Lenny Tristano? Pages in category "British jazz pianists" The following 54 pages are in this category, out of 54 total. I will enjoy the ride of just listening and enjoying…. I had a few jazz theory classes with Oscar in 1985/86 at York University and I shall always cherish the moment when he shook my hand after playing a guitar solo. Magicians of the boogie woogie. Oh, come on! 6 Cecil Taylor Basie also said that Hines was, “The greatest piano player in the world”. Seriously? For many, Detroiter Thomas Lee Flanagan’s name is synonymous with saxophone giant John Coltrane. I think Eddie’s brother, Charlie, would be an even better choice! An I would move Bill Evans to #2 in front of Monk. 7: Bud Powell (1924-1966) Who conducted this survey ? Barbara Carroll? the list includes a great pianists, but what about mal waldron, jaki byard, bobby timmons, paul bley, cedar walton, sun ra, alice coltrane? Influenced by Teddy Wilson and Bud Powell, Brooklyn-born Kelly is best remembered for his association with Miles Davis between 1959 and 1961 (he played on the iconic 1959 LP Kind Of Blue). Maybe for composing, but not his playing. But the big name often overlooked is Sonny Clark – unmatched feel. I agree with the guy who thought Iturbi was a better jazz pianists than many on this list. BTW, no Denny Zeitlin? I wonder if people know just how good Al Haig was. He eked a living as a jobbing pianist for hire until emigrating to the US in 1947, where he quickly made a name for himself with his synthesis of swing, bebop, and elements drawn from classical music. Brad Mehldau? The Guardian … Look, they’re all great, even the one you thought should be higher, or lower on the list. As you said, the latter was a great composer and surely played an important role in jazz history, but he wasn’t a great pianist. 17 Vince Guaraldi No Paul Bley??? 13 Count Basie For shame. Erroll Garner, Dave Brubeck, “Count” Basie, “Fats ” Waller & “Duke” Ellington not in the top ten….”SCANDALOUS” ! It’s hard to take seriously a top 36 jazz pianists list that doesn’t include Mary Lou Williams…. Finishing work on a Theloneous Monk anniversary album. The ranking is ridiculous (Monk for 2nd etc…) IMO. Thanks Herman. 20 Horace Silver it’s a joke? 1 Bill Evans So he has to be right up there and is my favourite primarily because of his unique musicianship and his unmatched intros-beat that! Also worth a mention was Joshua Riffkin playing Scott Joplin. I would move Ahmad Jamal higher on the list and include the great be-bop pianist Al Haig. As a teenager, Jarrett was seduced by jazz and quickly became fluent in its idiom. (Fairytales). This list may not reflect recent changes ().This page was last edited on 14 March 2013, at 02:26 (UTC). An intrepid improviser whose imagination knows no bounds. Take Five is consistently regarded as the greatest Jazz tune of all time by many. 1-Thelonious Monk Jelly Roll Morton Keith Jarrett, for god’s sakes, but not Martial Solal? He was especially influenced by Earl Hines, whose ornate, heavily embellished approach was the foundation for Cole’s own style, which developed within the confines of his own trio in the 30s and 40s. 1. That’s the real big challenge the piano presents. Hell, he was playing the most complex chords and rhythmns long before self-described experts got around to giving them names. Of course, there has to be an element of subjectivity and many of the pianists who didn’t make the list could have been there. Oscar Peterson is much too high for my taste. You have the same last name of another great pianist not mentioned on the list: DON THOMPSON. Some British Jazz Pianists Song Download- Listen Some British Jazz Pianists MP3 song online free. 2.- Keith Jarrett The best of all Jazz Pianist ist Keith Jarrett! Maybe the original list was only 36 men. Ammmmmazing technique, overflowing with energy and creativity, she’s written beautiful songs and rearrangements. 16 Herbie Hancock Originally from Quebec, Canada, Peterson was a classically-trained child prodigy who fell under the influence of Art Tatum and Nat “King” Cole. To put Erroll Garner at 17 is ludicrous-if you listen extensively he is really unparallelled musically-also had a great technique and he was certainly the greatest composer among all the jazz giants.I happened to meet Erroll on tour in 1972 and he was the most self effacing lovely man you could meet.Junior Mance told me in 2015 that everyone was blown away by Erroll in the early days in NY and they all wanted to play like him, I mean, he was definitely one of the greatests of all time. A prodigiously talented musician, Williams was an inspirational figure and paved the way for noted contemporary female pianists such as Tania Maria, the late Geri Allen, Eliane Elias, and Diana Krall. It’s a list, limited to 50 (up from 36, which is an improvement), and it’s not intended as a scientific ranking. (And if you think Monk wasn’t a great pianist, you don’t understand a single thing about his compositions or his playing.). Reflective romantic ballads with lush chords were his undoubted forte, but Evans – who drew on both bebop and classical music for inspiration – could also swing with verve, especially in a live setting. He was born in France but with a last name like that, his father probably is/was (?) For shame. Another hallmark of the Texan’s singular style was his use of two-handed block chords. Without a doubt I would add Phineas Newborn and Brad Mehldau to that list, and I could easily leave out Bob James and Dave Grusin. My list: . 15: Jelly Roll Morton (1890-1941) How about the five best who are not on the list: Lennie Tristan I am surprised that your comment was shown. People ignore this last period by Bill, whose drug addiction was due not only to the horrible tragedies in his life but to his determination not to betray either his art or the two young musicians who, for the first time, constituted “his” trio, expressing his vision and aesthetic. 21 Teddy Wilson It’s often overlooked that Washington, DC-born Edward Kennedy Ellington was a tremendous jazz pianist with his own inimitable style. Given that he once claimed to have singlehandedly invented jazz, modesty was most certainly not a recognizable trait in the character of this New Orleans pianist born Ferdinand LeMothe – though he wholly deserves recognition among the best jazz pianists. He merely heard a song in his head and made up the new melody using that tune alone. For more insight on the man and insight into his music, see ‘The Death of A Bebop Wife’ Grange Rutan for further insighet into Haig. 8: Keith Jarrett (Born 1945) For the record Charles Thompson is the very first person to comment on this list. Other than that, might as well throw darts. one should mention Eliane Elias, Chucho Valdes, Uri Caine. No Marion McPartland? Ellis Marsalis is a trumpet man, I believe. the most shit rating ever! Mary Lou Williams didn’t make the cut? From Brooklyn, New York, Kirkland had a fruitful association with the Marsalis brothers, Wynton and Branford, in the 80s and 90s, appearing as a sideman on many of their albums. Moving to Chicago, and then New York, he was regarded as a go-to sideman in the late 50s and early 60s (playing with the likes of Cannonball Adderley, Jackie McLean, Roland Kirk, and Wes Montgomery) before beginning his own recording career, which started at Prestige Records in 1968. Al Haig was Bud Powell’s favorite pianist. He had the most awesome LEFT HAND of any of them..and NEWSWEEK BACK IN THE LATE 70s called him the greatest jazz pianist IN AMERICA! Sheesh!! Bill Evans too high. Scott Joplin made about 6 hand played piano rolls, including a composition by W.C Handy but he certainly should not be on this list. Hiromi Uehara! Stan Tracey It was the latter quality that made Miles Davis such a big fan of his music in the 50s, attempting to replicate Jamal’s light piano style in his groups of that era. I told Benny Green that so much of the music around the 60’s was musicians music, he told me how difficult a particular note was, but hey, I just like the sound . Damn it! Jimmy Yancey I rate him up with Monk and far better than Art Tatum in his jazz input. Lil’ Hardin’?…. I enjoy Monk’s music but I wouldn’t put him at number two. He may not have been the virtuoso that Tatum was (Monk wasn’t either), but being the greatest jazz composer and orchestrator, he had developed what every classical pianist craves for and not always reaches: an endless pallette of pianistic colors. Also, Phineas Newborn, Joe Sample, and Kenny Werner should have been included. whoever compiled this list has clearly never hear Gene Harris play. No list of seminal, great pianists can be taken seriously if it omits the artist who, more than anyone else, shared and lived the aesthetic of the Romantic poet John Keats (from “Ode on a Grecian Urn”–Beauty is Truth; Truth Is Beauty–the counsel Bill issued to Tony Bennett in 1978). Not mentioned by anyone in this thread), Marian Petrescu (unbelievable), Michel Camilo. Barry Harris, should be in the top twenty. Sir Roland Hanna? 19: Red Garland (1923-1984) 5. Hmm, didn’t see Kenny Barron there, y’all must not dig that muscular style. Oh, I know. Yes. You left off the link. He worked mainly as a sideman in the 50s, but in 1963, after a move to New York, Hill began a long association with Blue Note Records that resulted in 16 albums. 9: Chick Corea (1941-2021) This is a sorry list of the greatest jazz pianist. Erroll is justifiably living a second life on the net and part of the problem for fans now is that Erroll died long ago and may have got overlooked somewhat.I understand that Art Tatum was very taken with him (”one day he will become something”)and I think Erroll drove him around a bit and even went up against Art in a piano duel(s). It seems that they get forgotten as pianists I’ll say I enjoyed this list overall. This amazing musician has got to be the most overlooked jazz pianist of all time! “He’s my idea of a perfect pianist.”, My top 14 jazz pianists in alphabetical order, based on 60 years of listening: I can’t believe that Dorothy Donegan has not been mentioned at all! I think the list captured most of the major players, missed a few that I would have included — McPartland and Newborn to name a couple — and some of the rankings are idiosyncratic. On one episode, he plays a nice version of GEORGIA and on another plays a more classical oriented piece. I feel there’s some distance between those 3 and everyone else since they achieve greater deepness – even drama – in their playing while being as technically profficient as the other great ones. What about Herbie Nichols and Kenny Drew, both of them brilliant pianists. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Mabern is unique among the best jazz pianists for having begun as a drummer before switching to piano. Joe Zawinul Now that i think of it, there’s another japanese piano player, but you just have to HAVE her on this list! Phineas Newborn is not here.This is total crap.This is posted by some Johnny come Lately. Tommy Flanagan was good but not good enough to keep up with John Coltrane on GIANT STEPS. 28 Ramsey Lewis Ok, I take it back. 5. 42: Kenny Drew (1928-1993) Swings effortlessly at any tempo, never thumps the instrument, as do inferior pianists . By the way nobody has mentioned George Zack, his contribution to Muggsies Someday Sweetheart and others really pleased me. When bebop arrived, in the mid-40s, she had an affinity for the revolutionary new style, and was a mentor to Thelonious Monk and Dizzy Gillespie. Can we move beyond the Count Basie, Benny Goodman, The 1940’s-50’s and at least start looking at free jazz in a meaningful way? If you have no criteria, what is the point. With his predilection for performing in an ornate style that comprised lush chords, liquid runs and complex syncopations, this Pennsylvanian from Pittsburgh was a child piano prodigy who first recorded in the 40s but blossomed spectacularly in the 50s. He’s a wild one! This Texas pianist’s music was largely forgotten until his tune, “The Entertainer” – which was used on the soundtrack to the 1973 blockbuster film The Sting, starring Robert Redford and Paul Newman – revived interest in his work. One of the true greats. In preparation for this year’s Piano Day (29 March), we’ve expanded and revamped this list, and added some of your suggestions. 32 Sonny Clark Bill, on the other hand, completed his archetypal journey be going full circle. As a result, Powell proved highly influential, even though his career was short (he died aged 41, after years of mental health problems). Arguably the most compelling album he made was 1955’s classic Concert By The Sea, which captures Garner in all his glory. Gonzalo Rubalcaba should be on list, somewhere near the top. Required fields are marked *. 30 Hank Jones Sans vouloir oublier le passé, (je me souviens des concert live de Michel a Miramas et sur le port de Cassis)… In that case, why not make a list of the top 88 greatest jazz pianists ? first, it is totally wrong to make up a “Top Ten List” of pianists, jazz or classical. And George Gershwin! Michel Camillo. Gene Harris? EVER>! It reached Britain through recordings and performers who visited the country while it was a relatively new genre, soon after the end of World War I. Oscar Peterson should have been at the no 1 spot. Trane’s Romanticism was heaven-bent and spiritual in contrast. Diana Krall? As far a people who were left off the list Jessica WIlliams (another Monk aficionado) deserves a serious consideration. She has listen very good to Gene Harris, but nevertheless, “Live in Paris” proves she is a very good piano player. Italian. Mary Lou Williams? I am not sure any of you know much about Jazz if you haven’t included my father Johnny Guarnieri. And the arguing goes on! so cheesy to make a list, moreso when it has to nod to the commercial stars of the recent era. NO CHUCHO VALDES!!!!!!!!!!!! I love Tete. 7 Bud Powell Lists are silly. The biggest selling Jazz LP in ’56 was Andre Previn & Shelly Mann’s “My Fair Lady”. As a British jazz musician who rose to became something of a household name in the US, George Shearing belongs to a small but elite club that includes clarinetist Acker Bilk (who scored a … TERRY TROTTER??!!! Just below these, in the very next level of sensitivity and deepness, I’d place Fred Hersch, Ahmad Jamal, Michel Petrucciani and Marian McPartland. Not one great jazz piano played by a woman???? I don’t warm to Art Tatum though–mostly flash more than substance and pretty much feel that way about Oscar Peterson too. Lenny Tristano! This is a good summary of jazz pianists. Clare Fischer? So would you. 4: Herbie Hancock (Born 1940) 39: Barry Harris (Born 1929) Phineaso Newborn is a huge miss – as others have pointed out Mulgrew and James Williams can be easily be added in front of a few on the list – Billy Taylor as well – and Hampton Hawes should be in the top 20 – sorry but Dave Grusin and Bob James are great players but no where near the virtuoso’s listed above – and for that thought Monty Alexander could blow most of these guys away – and what about Dick Hyman – I love Joe Zawinul and all of his music – but the list is of Pianists and a huge amount of his recorded work is Keyboard based -so not in the top 30 – finally Fred Hersch needs to be in the top 30 – for his musical diversity alone – owe and there is that Mehldau guy…. Tough to include Joplin, who, although he was a great composer, and, arguably the first , left no recordings, save for his ( no doubt edited ) piano roll of Maple Leaf Rag. They cannot possibly all fit in a list of 36 musicians!!! Unacceptable. And Bill Charlap, in the top 36. At least Art is no1, but Oscar, Bud and Bill should be 2,3,4…. His path would cross with Coltrane’s again in the 50s, when both joined Miles Davis’ quintet and made several groundbreaking albums for Prestige and Columbia (among them Workin’ and ’Round About Midnight). The three best in order: His block chords would make Dave Brubeck proud!! I’d include Herbie Nichols, Richard Twardzik. As good as Duke was at composing, I believe that most people have not noted that he wrote the simplest tune (melody) in the history of music. Herbie Hancock British jazz musicians (13 P) P Jazz pianists (14 P) S Jazz singers (1 C, 12 P) Pages in category "Jazz musicians" The following 72 pages are in this category, out of 72 total. OLIVER JONES!!! I am impressed that Art Tatum is number one ( no argument here ), and that Fats Waller and James P. Johnson made the lst, although they should both be much higher.