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

‘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.

On Green Dolphin StreetWynton Kelly

On Green Dolphin Street

Originally written for the 1947 film Green Dolphin Street, this piece is also known as a jazz standard.

Its shifting rhythms, distinctive chord progression, and the repeated motif that defines the tune make it a memorable classic—and when you hear it in a piano jazz setting, it takes on a different kind of charm.

S’WonderfulEthan Uslan

Harlem Stride Piano: Gershwin’s S’Wonderful #stridepiano #gershwin #jazzpiano

Composed by George Gershwin, this is a number from the Broadway musical “Funny Face.” It has also been used in several films since then.

The antique-style piano played by Ethan suits the piece perfectly!

Speek like a childHerbie Hancock

Herbie Hancock – Speak Like a Child

This is the title track released in 1968.

The exquisite harmony between Herbie’s piano and the horns has a deep, nuanced flavor.

The album opens with “Riot,” a fast-tempo, aggressive piece, so the restrained, gentle piano tone of this second track offers a moment to catch your breath.

Savor the beauty of this world, guided by Herbie’s refined playing.

Evrything Happens to meThelonious Monk

Thelonious Monk – Everything Happens to Me

This is a track from the album “Solomonck.” It appeared in every episode of the NHK drama “Plant Guy” as an in-show piece, so many of you may find it familiar.

The relaxed warmth of this song resonates with the drama, and it makes me think the staff are people who listen closely to music.

At times I sense a bold, powerful image in his playing, but isn’t it actually very well crafted? I don’t think looseness arises without intention.

Hello, DollyMarina Lebenson

Louis Armstrong- Hello Dolly (Piano Version – Marina Lebenson)

Composed by Jerry Herman, this is the title song from the Broadway musical Hello, Dolly!.

It begins slowly and gradually shifts into a lively Charleston; the changes in tempo and rhythm convey the joy of the musical.

CaravanErroll Garner

Erroll Garner – Caravan (Audio)

A piece known as part of the Duke Ellington Orchestra’s jazz big band repertoire.

It’s a song that incorporates Cuban musical rhythms, known as Afro-Cuban, and the Ventures’ guitar rendition is also famous.

When played on piano, it reveals a different, distinctly funky side.