[2026] Jazz piano masterpieces: from standards to recent favorites
Jazz piano, where the piano takes center stage, has enjoyed enduring popularity in Japan for many years.
We often hear standard numbers performed in legendary recordings by classic jazz pianists, as well as their own original masterpieces, and many of us grow familiar with them naturally—even without consciously thinking of them as jazz.
This article shines a spotlight on jazz piano, presenting a curated selection that includes not only standards but also outstanding original compositions.
While topics like this tend to highlight the strength of classic tunes, this piece also features popular tracks by pianists and piano trios who debuted in the 2000s and beyond, making it enjoyable for both beginners and dedicated jazz fans.
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[2026] Jazz Piano Masterpieces: From Standards to Recent Favorites (61–70)
The CraveJelly Roll Morton
Born in the 1800s, Jelly Roll Morton is often cited as a founder of jazz and swing.
He is also known because a character modeled after him appears in the film The Legend of 1900.
This piece, whose title means “longing” or “yearning,” was composed by him; he was a pianist who wrote many other pieces as well.
At the time, his works were considered vulgar and were not released until near the end of the 20th century, but listening to them now, they seem like remarkable records.
My Favorite ThingsJoey Alexander
This song is extremely famous as one of the musical numbers from The Sound of Music.
In the jazz world, there’s a renowned saxophone rendition by John Coltrane, and while the piece speaks plainly and calmly at first, its gradually building momentum makes it an excellent match for piano performance as well.
Speak LowWalter Bishop Jr.
This is the opening track of the 1961 recording Speak Low.
His piano has a warm, comforting tone.
When it comes to Walter Bishop Jr., his performances of Speak Low and On Green Dolphin Street are especially renowned.
Many players have tackled this tune, but his rendition is my top pick.
At times lively, at times elegant, it delivers superb playing throughout.
The interplay with the rhythm section is outstanding as well.
I recommend it as background music for when you want to unwind in the evening.
Fly Me To The MoonBart Howard
Known as a jazz standard, Fly Me To The Moon is a classic that continues to be performed in a variety of arrangements, from Frank Sinatra’s vocal version to instrumental covers by jazz artists.
It was also used as the ending theme for Neon Genesis Evangelion, so many people first discovered the song through Eva.
The chord progression itself isn’t particularly complex and is largely repetitive, making it a good choice for beginners.
If you actually try playing the melody and chords on the piano, you’ll notice how stylish and sophisticated it sounds.
The secret to that stylish feel lies in the sound of seventh chords used throughout the piece.
Even just sticking to the basics—melody in the right hand and chords in the left—lets you enjoy that chic vibe.
So if you’re a beginner who wants to play something stylish on the piano or try a jazz-like tune, definitely give it a shot!
Flight 19Andrew Hill
Andrew Hill, an American jazz pianist, may not be widely known, but he is one of the players who contributed to the development of jazz with his original compositional techniques.
Among his works, “Flight 19” is a piece whose title refers to the Flight 19 incident, in which U.S.
Navy aircraft disappeared in the Bermuda Triangle.
Kenny Dorham’s trumpet heightens the distinctive sense of tension even further.
Night and DayArt Tatum & Ben Webster
Recorded in 1948, this track lets you fully savor Art Tatum’s phenomenal technique.
Despite a visual impairment from childhood, Tatum grew into a high-caliber pianist undeterred.
From time to time, prodigies emerge in the jazz world, and he is certainly one of them.
Not only within jazz—he was also lavishly praised by classical luminaries like Horowitz.
That kind of crossover acclaim is exceptional.
Ben Webster’s saxophone is expansive and unhurried, and the two of them together on “Night and Day” are truly supreme.
Fantasy in DCedar Walton
Despite his strong touch, pianist Cedar Walton—whose playing has been described as having the “sound of bells”—never compromised the beauty of his tone.
Among the pieces he composed, Fantasy in D was originally inspired by Ugetsu Monogatari and performed under the title Ugetsu.
In the mid-section piano solo, you can fully savor the elegance of his touch.