Cool jazz piano: from classic favorites to hidden gems.
Even within what we broadly call jazz, there are countless subgenres, and it’s fascinating how the sound itself changes depending on which instrument takes center stage.
As the name suggests, “jazz piano,” where the piano is the main focus, is an especially popular style of jazz in Japan.
There are many classic tunes that everyone has heard at least once, and I imagine quite a few jazz beginners start out by listening to a piano trio album.
In this article, we’ve gathered timeless tracks from across eras—including recent jazz—that feature up-tempo, cool, and stylish piano within the realm of jazz piano.
If you usually gravitate toward lyrical, slow jazz piano, this is a great chance to check out something different!
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Cool jazz piano: from classic favorites to hidden gems (1–10)
BoogabluesGerald Clayton
Gerald Clayton, born in the Netherlands and now based in the United States, is a jazz pianist who has drawn attention on the new-generation jazz scene since the late 2000s.
Raised in a musical family, he wields a musicality that extends beyond jazz.
Among the works in the discography of this innovative contemporary jazz player, I’d like to highlight Boogablues from his landmark solo debut album, Two-Shade.
In his mid-20s at the time, Gerald’s youthful yet brilliantly spirited, effervescent piano favors band interplay and overall groove over merely showcasing technical prowess.
With its smooth, elegant melodies and cool, dynamically nuanced playing, it’s sure to captivate anyone who loves piano trios.
Tuesday WonderlandEsbjörn Svensson Trio
The jazz piano trio from Sweden, E.S.T.
Their full name is the Esbjörn Svensson Trio, but they’re often referred to by the abbreviation.
The title track of their 2006 album, “Tuesday Wonderland,” features a beautiful piano arrangement.
Especially toward the end, electronic sounds and the like start to mix in, creating a very chaotic atmosphere—but that unfamiliar sound becomes incredibly addictive!
Peaceful WarriorAaron Parks
Aaron Parks, a genius pianist who debuted at 16.
His “Peaceful Warrior” is a fascinating piece that sounds cool despite using hardly any fast runs.
Its greatest appeal lies in its distinctive musicality.
The floating, tonally ambiguous phrasing evokes a refined atmosphere reminiscent of Debussy in classical music.
In Japan, fans of modern jazz artists like Hiromi Uehara will surely enjoy his music as well!
Days Of Wine & RosesOscar Peterson
The original piece is the theme song for the film of the same name composed by Henry Mancini, a giant of film music, also known in Japan by the title “Sake to Bara no Hibi” (Days of Wine and Roses).
It received high acclaim, including a Grammy Award, and is also famous as a jazz standard.
Among the many versions, the performance by the Oscar Peterson Trio—led by the “Emperor of the Keyboard” himself—is legendary in jazz history.
Backed by his exceptional technique, Peterson’s dazzling playing and irresistibly dance-inducing groove embody the very essence of jazz—simply put, it’s just plain cool.
Why not listen with a wine glass in hand and a touch of swagger?
Get HappyFREDDIE REDD
Freddie Redd, an American pianist.
His “Get Happy” is the lead track on the self-titled album released in 1958.
The charm of this piece lies in how vividly the piano touch comes across.
Even when listening to the recorded track, it feels as if a live performance is happening right in front of you—the raw power of the piano is irresistible! His mastery of dynamics is excellent, and his performance keeps you fully engaged right to the end without ever getting boring.