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

CherokeeBud Powell

Bud Powell – Cherokee

This is one of Bud Powell’s most heartfelt pieces.

It was recorded in 1946 and included on Jazz Giant.

Though Bud Powell suffered mental illness and led a life marked by strange twists of fate, there’s no doubt he is a treasure of the jazz world.

From the very start, this track captivates with its powerful playing.

He plays dynamically while never losing the romantic mood, resulting in a superb performance.

It lifts the spirit in a positive direction.

The sound he projects is endlessly bright and beautiful.

BlackbirdBrad Mehldau

Blackbird (Live)

One of the most important pianists on the jazz scene since the 1990s is Brad Mehldau.

With a distinctive touch that produces a unique tone and an exceptional sense of rhythm, he has become one of the leading players in the jazz world, and his solo piano work is also highly acclaimed.

In fact, this piece is a cover of the Beatles’ song “Blackbird,” but it’s so colored by his own unique world that you might not recognize it unless you were told.

Take FiveMichel Camilo

MICHEL CAMILO – TAKE FIVE

Take Five, famous as part of Dave Brubeck’s repertoire.

It’s often discussed for its unusual 5/4 time, but one of its great appeals is the striking, instantly memorable melody despite that meter.

In the well-known version, Paul Desmond’s saxophone carries the theme, but when you hear it as a solo piano piece, the rolling, percussive feel of the accompaniment is emphasized even more.

Fly With the WindMcCoy Tyner

McCoy Tyner – Fly With the Wind – [Fly With the Wind] 1976

McCoy Tyner, a legendary pianist in jazz history, was a great musician who began his career in the 1950s and continued to lead the scene for many years until his passing in 2020 at age 81.

In BLUE GIANT, the piece performed during practice by the protagonist Dai Miyamoto, the virtuoso pianist Yukinori Sawabe, and the novice drummer Tamada is the title track from McCoy’s classic 1976 album Fly With The Wind.

It’s remarkable that a beginner tackled an over-eight-minute piece right off the bat—and that the original drummer on the recording was the ultra-technical Billy Cobham.

By the way, the original features flute rather than saxophone, and is distinguished by a flowing, opulent ensemble with added strings!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem

New RhumbaAhmad Jamal

Ahmad Jamal Trio – New Rhumba

Ahmad Jamal, who excelled at arrangements infused with a Latin music flavor, wrote the classic “New Rhumba.” It’s a track where you can fully enjoy his swinging Latin groove and the relaxed sound with those sparkling, playful tones.

His appeal isn’t limited to style, either.

He has a creative side that’s always pushing himself to explore new music.

If you listen to his recordings over the years, you can revel in the evolution of his adventurous musicality!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

Report a problem

I Want To Talk About YouTete Montoliu

Tete Montoliu – I Want to Talk About You

A track from the 1976 recording Tete a Tete.

He is a blind pianist from Spain.

His performance feels poised and unwavering.

His touch is strong, and his tone is characterized by absolute clarity.

The flowing piano on this piece—famous for Coltrane’s rendition—draws you right in.

“Stablemates,” a track from the 1968 recording Piano for Nuria, is wonderful.

‘Round MidnightHank Jones

Hank Jones – Round Midnight

A slow ballad by jazz pianist Thelonious Monk.

It’s midnight now, and inescapable worries and anxieties won’t leave my mind.

As if overlapping with them, the piano flows deeply, quietly, and slowly—yet it also carries a modern, alluring atmosphere.