[2026] Jazz piano masterpieces: from standards to recent favorites

My Foolish HeartBill Evans

My Foolish Heart

When it comes to jazz piano, this is the man—Bill Evans, who enjoys great popularity in Japan as well.

Among his works, “My Foolish Heart,” included on the celebrated album Waltz for Debby, is originally the theme song from a film of the same name, but many people probably think first of Bill Evans’s rendition.

His piano tone, as if weaving a story, is something you can listen to forever.

Opus de FunkHorace Silver

Horace Silver_Opus de Funk

This is a classic by Horace Silver, who laid the foundation of hard bop, featuring irresistibly funky piano.

The groove, steeped in the heat of blues and gospel, is the very essence of what makes jazz so cool—its pure “iki.” At the time, the word “funk” in the title was said to mean the “earthy smell” and the “body heat of the blues,” and true to that, you can feel a deeply human vibrancy throughout.

This performance was recorded in November 1953 as a trio with Art Blakey and others, and can be heard on the celebrated album Horace Silver Trio Vol.

2 / Art Blakey–Sabu.

With a beat that makes your fingers snap naturally and a catchy, call-and-response style melody, it feels like the joy of jazz distilled.

Uplifting and spirited, this track is perfect when you want to hear piano that makes your heart dance.

My Funny ValentineBill Evans

My Funny Valentine

A masterpiece whose melancholy-soaked melody pierces the heart, “My Funny Valentine.” While many renowned performances feature vocals or trumpet weaving the tune in a conversational way, for a piano rendition I’d highlight Bill Evans’s version.

His nuanced push and pull, achieved through masterful control of touch and dynamics, is truly exceptional.

LawnsCarla Bley & Steve Swallaw

Carla Bley and Steve Swallow – Lawns

This is a live version of the 1980 title tune “Lawns.” Its free yet delicate, infinitely transparent world reveals her unique sensibility.

Her performance, which builds supreme beauty with utmost simplicity, is deeply moving.

Steve Swallow’s bass is also a masterful, poetic performance.

The rich interplay woven by these two is unlike anything else.

On the number “Soon I Will Be Done With the Troubles of the World,” you can also hear their stirring collaboration.

Mellow SeptetJaki Byard

Jaki Byard – Mellow Septet

From the 1961 album “Here’s Jaki.” Jaki Byard is best known for his collaborations with Charles Mingus.

His appeal lies in his elegant and intellectual playing style, I would say.

I think there’s something in his approach that connects to Ellington as well.

His light, free, and expansive performance of “Giant Steps” is also striking.

It’s an album that’s truly rewarding to listen to.

SpainChick Corea

Spain

Pianist Chick Corea, who centered his work on jazz while incorporating a variety of genres to create a world uniquely his own.

His most famous piece is Spain.

The version best known is the one on electric piano, which opens with the Concierto de Aranjuez as its intro, but there are many other versions, including acoustic trio arrangements.

All The Things You AreEddie Higgins

All The Things You Are – Eddie Higgins Trio

This piece is highly popular for its beautiful melody that masks its complex chord progression.

Originally a musical number, it’s also a staple as a jazz standard.

While the version by the legendary saxophonist Charlie Parker is well known, the charm of the composition truly stands out when performed on piano.