Modern Jazz Pianist recommendation

Bill Charlap is my favorite jazz pianist, especially his recordings under the Venus Label (Japanese) under the name "New York Trio".

But to be fair, Charlap does not play anything like Joe Sample or Bob James. He's mainstream jazz playing classics.

Bill Charlap recording at the Village Vanguard 2003 on Blue Note is simply spectacular. Harkens back to the days of Bill Evans,Bud Powell and Ahmad Jamal. Nope Jonsher is quite correct this ain't smooth jazz of Bob James or Joe Sample. This is pure jazz trio, the likes of which I have not heard in years. I can only say find it, buy it. You will have in your permanent rotation. Some video of him on You Tube worth viewing. If jazz trio is your bag, this is one of the best to come along in years. Highly recommended.

Geoff Keezer Live at the Dakota is an excellent album. Like Mehldau he grabs some unusual pieces i.e. Bjorks' Venus as a Boy. You may also want to check out Vassilis Tsabropoulos another ECM product along the lines of Tord Gustafson.

Hiromi and Sonic Bloom's "Beyond Standard" is smokin' fusion-y stuff, and an impressive recording. Highly recommended. John

http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Standard-Hiromi/dp/B00168X0RK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1267499153&sr=1-1

I recently came across this album while searching for Anthony Jackson.
Hiromi "Voice."(CD in this case) Hiromi Piano, Anthony Jackson Bass Guitar, Simon Phillips Drums. I like it SO much that it was my pick for "first album of 2012!
Great cover photo of her, also.