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

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.

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!

God Rest Ye Merry, GentlemenOscar Peterson

God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

This piece is an old English Christmas carol published in the 18th century.

It’s quite famous, so many of you have probably heard it before.

In Japan, its title is translated as “Yo no Hito Wasuruna.” Oscar Peterson has arranged and performed this well-known tune as a swingin’ jazz number.

Oscar Peterson, who can transform any Christmas song as if it were his own, is truly captivating.

It’s also interesting to compare his version with the original as performed in churches.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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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.

Honeysuckle RoseFats Waller

Fats Waller – Honeysuckle Rose

This “Honeysuckle Rose” was composed by Fats Waller himself, with lyrics by Andy Razaf.

True to his entertainer persona, he performs it brilliantly as a lively, cheerful sing-and-play number.

The lyrics, which refer to the honeysuckle flower—so named for the sweet nectar you can suck from it—carry a slightly risqué undertone.

There’s something especially compelling about hearing the version performed by the composer who understands the piece best.

Aside from his own, it’s a song that’s often sung by women.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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