[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.
- It’s so cool if you can play these on the piano! A selection of irresistibly charming masterpieces.
- Jazz Piano Masterpieces: From Classic Essentials to Contemporary Favorites
- Cool jazz piano: from classic favorites to hidden gems.
- Introduction! A collection of recommended masterpieces and standard numbers for jazz beginners
- [For Adults] Recommended for Piano Recitals! A Curated Selection of Impressively Sounding Masterpieces
- [2026] Introducing recommended jazz medley videos!
- The Royal Road of Jazz: Classic modern jazz masterpieces. Popular tracks you should listen to at least once.
- Classic swing jazz tunes. Recommended popular songs.
- Difficult Piano Pieces: From Classical to Jazz Piano
- [Christmas] Songs That Sound Cool on Piano! A Pick of Classics and All-Time Favorites
- [Autumn Jazz] Classic and Popular Jazz Songs to Enjoy in the Fall
- Today's Jazz: Tunes for today! A selection of timeless classics and contemporary jazz
- [Start Here] Jazz Masterpieces: A Must-Listen Album Selection
[2026] Jazz piano masterpieces: From standard tunes to recent favorites (91–100)
Take the A TrainDuke Ellington
Take the A Train, written by Billy Strayhorn about the New York City subway line to Harlem.
Duke Ellington’s orchestra recorded it in 1941, and the record became a huge hit.
It’s a fun standard with a familiar, signature intro and ending, and it’s widely used not only by big bands but also as a vocal number and a common tune at jam sessions.
In Japan, it also appeared in the film Swing Girls as the first piece the students practice, right?
Makin’ WhoopeeEarl Hines
This standard number, often performed as a vocal tune as well, is Earl Hines’s lively, swinging rendition of “Makin’ Whoopee.” He is considered one of the pioneers who laid the foundation of modern jazz piano, and is said to have influenced Bud Powell and Herbie Hancock.
The song has a simple chord progression, and its lyrics humorously depict marriage and what follows.
It’s also frequently performed at a slower tempo.
Blue in GreenEliane Elias
Eliane, who hails from Brazil, was active in the 1980s jazz group Steps Ahead alongside Peter Erskine and Mike Mainieri.
Blue in Green is famously known for Bill Evans’s masterful performance on Miles Davis’s Kind of Blue.
Eliane’s rendition expands that world with a gentle touch.
Her husky-voiced vocal numbers are also truly wonderful.
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.
Looking UpMICHEL PETRUCCIANI
Michel Petrucciani was a French pianist who battled a congenital, severe illness and passed away in 1999 at the age of 36.
“Looking Up” is one of his signature pieces, and despite the hardships of his illness, his music conveys optimism and remarkable inner strength.
True to its title, it’s a track that evokes the refreshing feeling of gazing up at a blue sky.