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Jazz Listener's Guide: Jazz Piano Players

J. Tyson | Jul 26, 2011 |

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Seven great jazz pianists - great listening if you're new to jazz.

If you're new to jazz, it can be daunting trying to decide where to begin when listening to musicians, both contemporary and historical. One way is to limit your focus to a favorite instrument (here, jazz piano) and then choose a handful of players who have developed their own signature sounds and approaches on that instrument. Any list is purely subjective, but hopefully this will lead the listener to other great recordings and artists. Here are seven amazing, fascinating, and unique jazz piano players to start your listening, in any order. The last three players here you can also hear live --Jarrett, Hancock, Mehldau -- you might catch at a jazz festival like Newport, Pori, Montreux, Umbria, Montreal, or at a great jazz club in your city.

ART TATUM

Pianist Art Tatum was nearly blind even after several cataract surgeries, but that didn't stop him from developing what is widely considered the most virtuosic solo piano technique in jazz history. Although he made some ensemble recordings, his true strength was displayed playing alone and unaccompanied. He would intersperse lively rhythmic stride with two-handed runs and very forward-looking alterations to the harmonies of relatively simple songs.

THELONIOUS MONK

Thelonious Sphere Monk had a quirky technique at the piano mixed with a playful sense of swing and humor. Often remembered more for his wild hats, mid-solo dancing and spinning, and his angular crunchy harmonies, he wrote so many compositions that are critical to the development of jazz. Monk was a true original who approached each improvisation with the open simplicity of a child's first encounter with the piano. Many either revered him as a genius who later bridged the gap toward free-jazz, or discounted him for his often disjunct style.

BUD POWELL

The tortured genius Bud Powell is credited for transferring to the piano the fast, advanced language of bebop developed by saxophonist Charlie Parker and trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie. Powell developed a more open way for a jazz pianist to play with bass and drums at a faster tempo by using left-hand "shell" voicings. His critically important performances and recordings were either examples of complete mastery, or, because of the drama of his personal life, just a little off.

BILL EVANS

Bill Evans was a quiet, introspective musician who found his own sound in rich harmonies, left hand independence, and small group interplay. After an important stint with trumpeter Miles Davis, Evans devoted himself largely to a string of important solo and trio recordings.

HERBIE HANCOCK

Still performing today, Herbie Hancock also played with Miles Davis. He continues to have a wide and varied career, releasing important projects of acoustic straight-ahead jazz, funk, fusion, electric, and cross-over styles with classical, pop/rock, and world music. Hancock recently explored the possiblilities of collaborations with artists from a range of musical genres.

KEITH JARRETT

Prodigious technique, capable of swinging jazz, rhapsodic solo performances, and important classical recordings, Keith Jarrett is second to none in jazz. He has performed for many years in a trio setting, bringing incredible freshness to jazz standards.

BRAD MEHLDAU

The most contemporary player represented here, jazz pianist Brad Mehldau has continued the great lineage of trio jazz piano. His technique is informed by years of classical study, and his playing displays a passion for harmony. He made a name for himself playing with saxophonist Joshua Redman's Quartet, but Mehldau's trio recordings display his ambidextrous technique, his haunting compositions, and his exploration of odd-time signature (5/4 and 7/4) improvisations and arrangements.

These seven musicians will lead you to many hours of enjoyable listening, and ear training, as you explore the art of jazz piano. On each recording you will also hear many amazing sidemen and women on a range of other instruments to grow your collection.