Another person I like (who plays in the same vein as Oscar Peterson) is Gene Harris. Some of his works are really very good - you often ask "is that Oscar P playing?"....
My favorite are probably Bill Evans and Oscar Peterson, depending upon my mood. I also really enjoy Keith Jarrett, Tommy Flanagan, Michel Camilo, Michael Palma, Dan Haerle, and Shelly Berg (amongst many, many others).
I would like to add the following, since they were on my playlist today:
1. Les McCann(piano) & Eddie Harris (tenor sax) - 'Swiss Movement' One of the all time great Jazz performances!! Every track a winner!! I wore out two LPs. Now have it on two CDs, just in case.
2. Randy Weston - 'Volcano Blues'
Other jazz pianists Worth a Look / Listen: Cyrus Chestnut Walter Davis Jr. Marcus Roberts
In terms of sheer technique, it is hard to come up with someone who had more than Oscar Peterson in the jazz world. He is also one of my favorites musically, though I like Bill Evans and Monk as well.
I should correct something I said earlier. I said the Duke could swing, but I meant the Count, as in Basie. Not that the Duke doesn't swing, just not on the piano. Hard to believe I got them mixed up.
Elizabeth, you can always be counted on to cut thru the BS and get to the right answer.
I agree about Tatum. I have his solo Masterpieces set, and I don't play them very much. After a while they all sound the same. Show off.
Peterson is not always great, but he is at least always very good. Sort of like clint eastwood in the movies.
Basie's style of playing in Jazz is sort of like B.B. King's style of playing the blues. The right note, at the right time, no more or less. You nailed it.
It would more imformative and allow for more complete posts to ask, Who is the worst Jazz pianist? Because all the players mentioned are great, and I'm sure no one named all the ones they could have named.
Although I selected one above I agree with HiFiHarv's statement "How can there be a best" The arts are not a competition. All musicians have something to offer you. It is up to you to decide whom you like
There are many great jazz pianist in the world, but I'm a Kieth Jarrett aficionado. His lack of thinking of the next note really translates to the best form of jazz for me.
sooo many....Bill Evans, Dave Brubeck, Marcus Roberts, Art Tatum, George Shearing, Andre Previn, Thelonius Monk, Keith Jarrett...I'll let others take it from here
How can there really be a "best"? Oscar Peterson? Benny Green? Bill Evans? Duke sure could swing. One I have really been enjoying lately but don't hear too much about is Ahmad Jamal. He might be my "best" when the mood strikes me. He has a different style that is certainly his and his alone.
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