The Best Jazz Piano Albums of All Time

In the world of jazz, the piano stands as the most versatile instrument, and a key figure in the continuing evolution of the genre.

Throughout the history of jazz, the piano has been employed both as a rhythm section member, and as the focal instrument, either in an ensemble or solo setting.

As a result, there have been countless albums released in the last 100 years that have explored the piano as a lead instrument, giving aspiring pianists a wealth of material to take inspiration from.

Here I will outline the qualities of what I think are the most inspiring and impressive jazz piano albums of all time.

This list is my opinion alone, and in a selection of thousands of albums, you may find many different albums that matter more to you!

Art Tatum – Piano Starts Here (1933/1949)

Art Tatum is considered by many to be the greatest technical jazz pianist ever.

His astonishing speed, dexterity, and virtuosic improvisation defied the limits of the instrument.

Piano Starts Here contains some of Tatum’s finest recordings and an essential listen for anyone interested in the evolution of jazz piano.

His renditions of standards like “Tiger Rag” and “Sweet Lorraine” reveal his unparalleled ability to simultaneously play intricate lines and dense harmonies while maintaining a sense of swing and soul.

While the styles used in this album may be outdated (along with other albums in this list), Tatum dominated his era of jazz piano, and will always be an impressive force to study.

Oscar Peterson – Night Train (1962)

Oscar Peterson’s Night Train is a celebration of swing and virtuosity.

Peterson, known for his powerful technique and impeccable timing, brings the tunes to life with a vibrancy that makes each track a joy to listen to.

His ability to weave the blues into incredibly intricate improvisation is on full display, particularly on “C Jam Blues” and “Georgia on My Mind.”

This album also features one of the most unwavering rhythm sections in history, with Ray Brown and Ed Thigpen on Double Bass and Drums.

The three musicians work together with immaculate swing feel and chemistry.

Night Train remains a quintessential example of straight-ahead jazz excellence.

Thelonious Monk – Monk’s Dream (1963)

Thelonious Monk’s idiosyncratic approach to the piano changed the course of jazz.

On Monk’s Dream, his first album for Columbia Records, Monk’s dissonant chords, angular melodies, and unique rhythmic phrasing are on full display.

The album features compositions like “Blue Monk” and “Straight, No Chaser,” which have since become standards.

Monk’s eccentric yet deeply melodic style made him one of the most influential pianists in jazz history, and Monk’s Dream captures the essence of his ground-breaking contributions.

Whether you like listening to him or not, Thelonious Monk will always be a relevant presence in the evolution of jazz.

Herbie Hancock – Maiden Voyage (1965)

The 1960’s were a time of immense innovation in jazz, with post-bop and modal jazz becoming increasingly prominent.

Herbie Hancock’s Maiden Voyage is a timeless exploration of modal jazz and post-bop, where his piano work is as sophisticated as it is adventurous.

Hancock’s touch on the piano is delicate yet powerful, and the album features standout tracks like the title piece “Maiden Voyage” and “Dolphin Dance.”

Hancock’s imaginative improvisation and harmonic innovation on this record would influence generations of jazz pianists and establish him as one of the genre’s foremost voices.

McCoy Tyner – The Real McCoy (1967)

He may have become obscure over time, and his peak did not last as long as others on this list, but as a member of the John Coltrane Quartet, McCoy Tyner played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of modern jazz, and for a time was the greatest jazz pianist in the world.

His album The Real McCoy is a perfect blend of his distinctive style, which incorporates both powerful block chords and intricate, modal improvisations.

Tracks like “Passion Dance” and “Four by Five” showcase his ability to create complex, flowing lines while maintaining a strong rhythmic and harmonic foundation.

Tyner’s approach was ground-breaking, and this album remains one of his most iconic works.

To open the door to the styles of the 90’s onwards, look no further than McCoy Tyner 30 years earlier.

Keith Jarrett – The Koln Concert – (1975)

Keith Jarrett stands as a huge innovative figure in the history of jazz.

The Köln Concert is one of the most famous solo piano albums out there.

Known for his ability to weave together classical, jazz, and improvisational music, Jarrett’s performance at the Köln Opera House captures his unique genius.

The concert was entirely improvised, and Jarrett’s mesmerising performance, filled with both spontaneous melodies and intricate harmonic structures, became a landmark in the world of jazz piano.

His ability to communicate with such emotional depth through solo improvisation makes this album a timeless masterpiece.

Brad Mehldau – Art of the Trio Volume 4 – (1999)

Brad Mehldau has been described as the greatest jazz pianist of the 21st century.

His work encompasses a huge variety of genres including pop, folk, classical, and his textural and melodic qualities are unmatched.

However, before he softened his touch, Mehldau was a ferocious post-bop improvisor, who would blow the lid off a tune over the course of 5 minutes improvising.

Art of the Trio Volume 4 for me is the apex of his powers in this period.

The powerhouse rhythm section of Jorge Rossy and Larry Grenadier provide all the energy and drive needed to fuel immense harmonic and melodic improvisation from Mehldau.

This album features staple standards such as “All the Things You Are”, but also the Radiohead song “Exit Music for a Film”, and so it has everything you need to hear from the master pianist.

Conclusion

The best jazz piano albums of all time represent a wide range of styles, from the bebop innovations of Monk to the intricate modernism of Mehldau.

These albums showcase the diversity and evolution of jazz piano, highlighting the individual voices that have shaped the genre over the decades.

Each of these works offers something unique, whether it’s through technical prowess, harmonic innovation, or sheer emotional depth.

For anyone interested in the art of jazz piano, these albums are essential listening and a testament to the enduring power of the instrument in shaping the sound of jazz.