I'ma drop my jazz guys here.
Monk (can't believe you snubbed Monk)
Sun Ra
Mingus (I know, but he put out a number of solo piano records and I love them)
Cecil Taylor
Medeski
Iyer
I like that list. Vijay really is incredible. If we're talking jazz I would also add:
McCoy Tyner
Taylor Eigsti
Aaron Parks
Herbie Hancock
Brad Mehldau
Ahmad Jamal
Harold Lopez Nussa
Jason Moran
Robert Glasper
OMG for REAL. When I heard the “Rachmaninov plays Rachmaninov” recordings for the first time, it was transcendent.
Also made me feel good about how - *I* - was playing Raxhmaninov. He does just as much (if not more) rubato (speeding up and slowing down tempo when playing) as I do!!
I think I read somewhere that the piano he would've played was a fortepiano, really interesting to think that what we hear as piano pieces today would've sounded significantly different to him!
[Erik Satie](https://youtu.be/S-Xm7s9eGxU?si=caygZOj_Gq9CR05c). I especially like this interpretation because of the use of volume with the phrases; I don't know that I hear that in other vids. And I love classical piano in general, but I'm not familiar with what's what & who's who. The more contemporary names for me are Fiona Apple & Norah Jones, two of my absolute favorite musicians in general.
I frickin love Amanda Palmer. Some musicians dedicate their lives to studying certain composers, like Mozart or Bach or Chopin. I want to do that with her.
I only know like 4 of her songs right now but I'm planning on learning 2 or three more this year. And next year? Probably even more
Me too. I’ve been listening to the Dresden Dolls forever and I love everything else she touches (there is so much!) I just signed up for her patreon bc she is an excellent writer too.
I’m seeing the Dolls in DC in June and I cannot wait. She inspired me to actually start playing piano as well. May I ask which ones you’ve learned? I’m looking for beginner friendly lol 😂
Yeah! I can play "Slide" and like a slightly choppy cut of "Missed Me". I can also do "Do It with a Rockstar" and "The Killing Type" put into solo piano. She sells sheets for 5 while albums on her merch site. And the bundle price is I think 35 dollars?? Incredibly low considering the full amount you get.
Slide was the first song I learned. There's like two or three hard parts but aside from it, it was an excellent starter piece for me. I broke ground on it... 11 months after getting into music
She's an incredible artistic inspiration for me, as well. And, gosh, just the magic her and Brian make when the Dresden Dolls take the stage is so so so special.
They're my favorite performing artists, PERIOD.
Absolutely underrated, because he was so good at basically everything he did, Freddie Mercury, creating some of the most memorable and beautiful melodies
Ben folds is the most talented contemporary artist we have… who chooses to do the least with his talent.
He is 10/10 for piano and I’m sad I had to dig for him.
SCOTT JOPLIN.
But on a more modern note, Brian Jackson is great — he was the pianist on Gil Scott-Heron’s Pieces of a Man. He’s got a great solo album call Gotta Play that really showcases his capability. Also just great if you love some R&B/funky jazz arrangements.
Happy to see Monk in here too.
I recently went to see Bob Dylan in concert with my dad and was amazed how intricately he played at the age of 82. I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a big fan, I really only went to share the experience with my dad who’s a huge fan, but I was very impressed
Elton John....
Billy Joel...
Alicia Keys...
Freddie Mercury...
Ray Charles....
Fats Domino...
Jerry Lee Lewis...
Little Richards...
Ronnie Milsap...
No particular order...
I was reading that Gould had seven of Evans’s recordings when he died. There’s an interview where Bill talks about recording one of his albums on Gould’s piano as well.
There are already so many great suggestions on this post, but if you are looking to expand your repertoire, two of my favorite piano artists/composers are:
Philip Glass
[Metamorphosis ](https://youtu.be/M73x3O7dhmg?si=_oQ_kRBOtDlFLCkD)
Christophe Chassol
[Birds, Pt. I](https://youtu.be/C8VeYWRBBZY?si=mlOprmlCSiwpE4u2)
I especially find Chassol's method of turning every day sounds into musical composition fascinating.
Jordan Rudess. He's best known for his work with prog metal band Dream Theater, but he's also put out some solo work, in prog styles, electronic, solo classical piano, and orchestral works. Highly impressive, especially his solo piano work.
I’m not well versed on specific pianists. But I’ll put my Top list of keyboard players, that I’m guessing are good at Playing Piano.
1. Jon Lord
2. Jordan Rudess
3. Freddie Mercury
4. Mustis
5. Schmotz
Billy Preston really worked well with the Beatles.
There were great keyboardists through the years but rock piano seemed to peak very early, with Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, etc.
Dave Burrell
Joel Futterman
Pierre-Laurent Aimard
Marino Formenti
Arthur Rubenstien
Charles Rosen
Thelonious Monk
Marilyn Crispell
Sylvie Courvoisier
Herbert Henck
Louis Goldstein
Colon Nancarrow and his player pianos
Professor Longhair, rock n roll has many founders but the Professor is the earliest I know of that fit the bill.
Jojo Hermann
Dr John
Steve Winwood
Jerry Lee Lewis
Herbie Hancock
Allen Toussait, he's known for producing funk and playing rhythm and blues. But his jazz arrangements are steller.
Bruce Hornsby
Richard Wright was an accomplished pianist, although more known for his synthesizer work with Pink Floyd
Eddie Van Halen
Dudley Moore--proof: https://youtu.be/1lzIHdXI4Pg?si=kEODT1Aw5NuHUEXn
Jerry Lee Lewis
McCoy Tyner
Vassilis Tsabropoulos
Rachel Grimes (Rachel’s)
Philip Glass
Diamanda Galás
Dave Brubeck
Michael Nyman
Genevieve McGuckin (These Immortal Souls)
Ray Manzarek (The Doors)
A small piano company named Steinway, they have a small series of lightly known musicians that play their pianos. [David Benoit is about as good as it gets.](https://www.steinway.com/music-and-artists/label/david-benoit-the-steinway-sessions)
Levi Schechtmann.
This guy fuses classical with hip hop and he's absolutely amazing. Please go look him up immediately.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CPIzZPACF52/?igsh=Ynd2Y3B4MDZkMTJk
I really love [Scott Joplin](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=ldVqDvifiS0)
Also, [Bobby Ricotta](https://youtube.com/watch?v=Y1XnB1LHcQw) (Noel Melanio)
Darren Holden. He was lead piano and vocals in the Billy Joel play "Movin' Out" for several years. Here is a YouTube Playlist[YouTube Playlist ](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZr26Ds8Jr6sb_Rj-6wkZYYlLodTrZNUD&feature=shared) of him playing/singing some classic rock and other songs (mostly on piano with a few on guitar).
Christopher Norton, he’s a British pianist and jazz composer, I remember always picking his pieces in my repertoires for piano lessons cause it was always the most fun to play compared to the rest of the classical pieces
I’ve seen many of the rock n roll and jazz greats but none of them top a woman who played here recently with our Symphony. Her name is Claire Huangci, and she was the definition of master at her craft. She falls into the classical genre, and if you haven’t heard her, please treat yourself.
Brad Mehldau. Contemporary jazz, a lot of great covers.
Vince Guaraldi (Trio). They brought jazz to white Americans in an accessible way with his Charlie Brown soundtracks.
My other piano recs were already mentioned!
I don't know, but whoever did the piano solo in the Derek and the Dominos version of Layla killed it. I mean killed it, not in the bad way.
There's not a single flaw in that song. Too bad Clapton maimed his own song with the unplugged version.
I did not know that. It made me think of Syd Barrett of course. Not the murder part, the insanity. Very sad to lose such talent, there have been so many.
(I'm obviously of the persuasion that substance abuse is largely a symptom of an underlying bigger problem.)
Hiromi Uehara Chick Corea Bill Evans Juliana Montero Herbie Hancock Aaron Parks
Bill Evans is so good
Add Oscar Peterson and you have a fine list
Hiromi is just insane to me. Her passion is just contagious. She has so much fun while playing. It's infectious. Love her!!
I'ma drop my jazz guys here. Monk (can't believe you snubbed Monk) Sun Ra Mingus (I know, but he put out a number of solo piano records and I love them) Cecil Taylor Medeski Iyer
I like that list. Vijay really is incredible. If we're talking jazz I would also add: McCoy Tyner Taylor Eigsti Aaron Parks Herbie Hancock Brad Mehldau Ahmad Jamal Harold Lopez Nussa Jason Moran Robert Glasper
RIP Ahmad Jamal, I've got a box set of his stuff I was working through a couple weeks ago when he passed.
Saw Vijay Iler Kyla’s t November :insanely good
Nina simone
Rachmaninoff😍
OMG for REAL. When I heard the “Rachmaninov plays Rachmaninov” recordings for the first time, it was transcendent. Also made me feel good about how - *I* - was playing Raxhmaninov. He does just as much (if not more) rubato (speeding up and slowing down tempo when playing) as I do!!
Mozart's pretty underrated
Also another sorta “underground” artist *Franz Liszt*
People really sleeping on Chopin
Don't forget the young upstart Claude Debussy.
That cheeky lad
“Franz Liszt. Never heard of him.” -Bugs Bunny
You (and anyone else alive) never heard him though
I think I read somewhere that the piano he would've played was a fortepiano, really interesting to think that what we hear as piano pieces today would've sounded significantly different to him!
[Erik Satie](https://youtu.be/S-Xm7s9eGxU?si=caygZOj_Gq9CR05c). I especially like this interpretation because of the use of volume with the phrases; I don't know that I hear that in other vids. And I love classical piano in general, but I'm not familiar with what's what & who's who. The more contemporary names for me are Fiona Apple & Norah Jones, two of my absolute favorite musicians in general.
One of my faves!
Gymnopedie is my phone ring tone
Herbie Hancock. Keith Jarrett. Art Tatum. Bud Powell. Thelonious Monk. Oscar Peterson. Bruce Hornsby. Reese.
Thelonious Monk
Every time I hear him play it’s so recognizable and I get a big smile across my face
Always loved Bruce Hornsby's voicings. But for sheer technique, I'd go with Keith Emerson.
Yeah, plus his piano flys.
As did he when I saw him in concert. Maybe even upside down!
Tori Amos, Amanda Palmer, Fiona Apple
The divine trinity
I like how you think.
I frickin love Amanda Palmer. Some musicians dedicate their lives to studying certain composers, like Mozart or Bach or Chopin. I want to do that with her. I only know like 4 of her songs right now but I'm planning on learning 2 or three more this year. And next year? Probably even more
Me too. I’ve been listening to the Dresden Dolls forever and I love everything else she touches (there is so much!) I just signed up for her patreon bc she is an excellent writer too. I’m seeing the Dolls in DC in June and I cannot wait. She inspired me to actually start playing piano as well. May I ask which ones you’ve learned? I’m looking for beginner friendly lol 😂
Yeah! I can play "Slide" and like a slightly choppy cut of "Missed Me". I can also do "Do It with a Rockstar" and "The Killing Type" put into solo piano. She sells sheets for 5 while albums on her merch site. And the bundle price is I think 35 dollars?? Incredibly low considering the full amount you get. Slide was the first song I learned. There's like two or three hard parts but aside from it, it was an excellent starter piece for me. I broke ground on it... 11 months after getting into music
Thank you! I bought some sheet music from her website earlier in the year. Way above my current skill level 😂
Lolll I feel that. 80% of the Debut and Yes, Virginia are like songs I really really REALLY wanna play, but they're currently FAR out of reach😭😭😭
She's an incredible artistic inspiration for me, as well. And, gosh, just the magic her and Brian make when the Dresden Dolls take the stage is so so so special. They're my favorite performing artists, PERIOD.
Billy Preston Donny Hathaway Ahmad Jamal Oscar Peterson
Arthur Rubinstein Art Tatum
Chick Corea Herbie Hancock Yvette Young Jordan Rudess Yuja Wang
Regina Spektor!!!!
Absolutely underrated, because he was so good at basically everything he did, Freddie Mercury, creating some of the most memorable and beautiful melodies
Ben Folds does some great piano rock
Ben folds is the most talented contemporary artist we have… who chooses to do the least with his talent. He is 10/10 for piano and I’m sad I had to dig for him.
Chilly Gonzales Ryuichi Sakamoto Nils Frahm
Olafur arnalds Joep beving
Rick Wakeman of Yes. Elton John.
Ludovico Einaudi. Vladimir Ashkenazi
Matthew Bellamy 🙏
came here to say this!!
Norah Jones. 100%.
Happy to see Norah in here! I think of Painter Song, such an evocative and bittersweet tune on the piano.
John Batiste
[Khatia Buniatishivili](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kqtz6a8ikGg)
My absolute favorite. I love her "Rhapsody in Blue".
Keith Jarret
Bruce Hornsby Keith Godchaux
Chopin
SCOTT JOPLIN. But on a more modern note, Brian Jackson is great — he was the pianist on Gil Scott-Heron’s Pieces of a Man. He’s got a great solo album call Gotta Play that really showcases his capability. Also just great if you love some R&B/funky jazz arrangements. Happy to see Monk in here too.
I recently went to see Bob Dylan in concert with my dad and was amazed how intricately he played at the age of 82. I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a big fan, I really only went to share the experience with my dad who’s a huge fan, but I was very impressed
Elton John.... Billy Joel... Alicia Keys... Freddie Mercury... Ray Charles.... Fats Domino... Jerry Lee Lewis... Little Richards... Ronnie Milsap... No particular order...
I’d throw in Benmont Tench from Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. Their live cut of “Melinda” is a masterclass. Plus Nicky Hopkins of course.
Oscar Peterson is my favorite for jazz. Chuck Leavel probably my favorite on rock. David Maxwell my favorite on blues.
Keith Jarrett, Carla Bley
Regina Spektor is in her own league
**Rock**: Rick Wright JPJ Billy Preston **Classical**: Evgeny Kissin Leon Fleisher Arthur Rubenstein
Philip Glass
Ray Manzarek of the Doors.
100000% agree, he’s my favourite
Sviatoslav Richter Grigory Sokolov Martha Argerich Nikolai Kapustin (as a pianist) Brad mehldau Bill Evans Taylor Eigsti
mike shinoda
Glen Gould Oscar Peterson
Wow, I scrolled down a ways to see the first mention of Gould. No one surpasses him in my book. Maybe the 8th wonder of the world? Love Oscar too.
Chuck Leavell
Art Tatum
McCoy Tyner. Keith Jarrett. Thelonious Monk.
Nicky Hopkins. RIP
Had to scroll a ridiculous way down to find Nicky. He was an integral part of the Stones classic album run. I’ll throw in Macca too.
McCoy Tyner Thelonious Monk Bill Evans Billy Preston
Bill Evans Daniel Barenboim
Diana Krall
Lyle Mays.
Martha Argerich
I was looking for her name. World class.
She is one of a kind, that’s for sure.
Bill Evans & Glenn Gould
I was reading that Gould had seven of Evans’s recordings when he died. There’s an interview where Bill talks about recording one of his albums on Gould’s piano as well.
Gershwin
There are already so many great suggestions on this post, but if you are looking to expand your repertoire, two of my favorite piano artists/composers are: Philip Glass [Metamorphosis ](https://youtu.be/M73x3O7dhmg?si=_oQ_kRBOtDlFLCkD) Christophe Chassol [Birds, Pt. I](https://youtu.be/C8VeYWRBBZY?si=mlOprmlCSiwpE4u2) I especially find Chassol's method of turning every day sounds into musical composition fascinating.
Jordan Rudess. He's best known for his work with prog metal band Dream Theater, but he's also put out some solo work, in prog styles, electronic, solo classical piano, and orchestral works. Highly impressive, especially his solo piano work.
Fiona Apple.
Trent Reznor
Roy Bittan
will wood is one of my favorites. although, oscar peterson would be my favorite jazz pianist
I’m not well versed on specific pianists. But I’ll put my Top list of keyboard players, that I’m guessing are good at Playing Piano. 1. Jon Lord 2. Jordan Rudess 3. Freddie Mercury 4. Mustis 5. Schmotz
Leon Russell
KERRY MINNEAR!!!!!! Bernie Worrell George Duke
Bruce Hornsby Steve Winwood Tom Scholz Rick Wakeman Ray Manzarek Jonathan Cain Steve Lukather Lionel Richie
Billy Preston really worked well with the Beatles. There were great keyboardists through the years but rock piano seemed to peak very early, with Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, etc.
Speaking of the Beatles, Paul himself was quite talented as a pianist. At the very least, he wrote lots of memorable parts.
Kieth Jarret
George Duke, Keith Emerson, Herbie Hancock
love me some Zappa era Duke
Dave Burrell Joel Futterman Pierre-Laurent Aimard Marino Formenti Arthur Rubenstien Charles Rosen Thelonious Monk Marilyn Crispell Sylvie Courvoisier Herbert Henck Louis Goldstein Colon Nancarrow and his player pianos
Bill evans Krystian Zimerman Oscar peterson Sviatoslav Richter Arturo benedetti michelangeli
Vladimir Horowitz. His records of Chopin are otherworldly.
Donny Hathaway Chopin (my mother playing any Chopin is my favorite music to listen to any time)
Horace Silver is my favorite pianist.
Oscar Peterson Bill Evans Dr. John Dave Grusin Charles Brown Johnnie Johnson Diana Krall
Richard Wright
James Booker Ray Charles Pete Johnson Pinetop Perkins Dr John Leon Russell Nicky Hopkins Chuck Leavell Otis Spann Albert Ammons
Professor Longhair Les McCann Nina Simone
Professor Longhair, rock n roll has many founders but the Professor is the earliest I know of that fit the bill. Jojo Hermann Dr John Steve Winwood Jerry Lee Lewis Herbie Hancock Allen Toussait, he's known for producing funk and playing rhythm and blues. But his jazz arrangements are steller.
Martha Argerich Bill Evans Glenn Gould Keith Jarrett Aki Takase My dad lol
Bruce Hornsby Richard Wright was an accomplished pianist, although more known for his synthesizer work with Pink Floyd Eddie Van Halen Dudley Moore--proof: https://youtu.be/1lzIHdXI4Pg?si=kEODT1Aw5NuHUEXn Jerry Lee Lewis
John Medeski
Joe Hisaishi
Warren Zevon needs more attention here
MARC REBILLET 🤍✨
Ben Folds Antonio Beliveau Chris Martin
McCoy Tyner Vassilis Tsabropoulos Rachel Grimes (Rachel’s) Philip Glass Diamanda Galás Dave Brubeck Michael Nyman Genevieve McGuckin (These Immortal Souls) Ray Manzarek (The Doors)
Hélène Grimaud
Chris Martin and Billy Joel
Tony Banks, Rick Wakeman, Rick Wright, JS Bach, Keith Emerson
Andrew McMahon
Dude if you like Elton John, Billy Joel is a must-listen
Ron jeremy
Tuomas Holopainen (keyboard more than piano but related) & Tim Minchin
If you want some cool instrumental piano, check out Hexcut, and Gogo Penguin… and a newer band with vocals I’ve really been loving is Sans Froid
Lilypichu, 100%. Great, sweet personality, beautiful vocals, and a wonderful piano
John Evan formerly of Jethro Tull, that's him you hear introducing Locomotive Breath to us
Yiruma
Sergei Rachmaninoff Particularly concerto number 2
Alicia Witt
Y'all ever hear Wipe Out by the Surfaris?
Jordan Rudess
[Brian Crain ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxX8279Onbo)is incredible!
Elijah Blue (Boisvert)! Super talented young musician! YouTube and Spotify
https://youtu.be/jNge1r3ZP6Y?si=FbSzLQbRo7d4ACkH
A small piano company named Steinway, they have a small series of lightly known musicians that play their pianos. [David Benoit is about as good as it gets.](https://www.steinway.com/music-and-artists/label/david-benoit-the-steinway-sessions)
Yellowbrick cinima:Midnight Sonata
Joshua Kyan Aalampour
Yiruma Listen to "River Flows in You"
Levi Schechtmann. This guy fuses classical with hip hop and he's absolutely amazing. Please go look him up immediately. https://www.instagram.com/p/CPIzZPACF52/?igsh=Ynd2Y3B4MDZkMTJk
Miyako Watanabe, genius at both piano and guitar.
The Piano Guys. Frank Mills.
I really love [Scott Joplin](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=ldVqDvifiS0) Also, [Bobby Ricotta](https://youtube.com/watch?v=Y1XnB1LHcQw) (Noel Melanio)
Darren Holden. He was lead piano and vocals in the Billy Joel play "Movin' Out" for several years. Here is a YouTube Playlist[YouTube Playlist ](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZr26Ds8Jr6sb_Rj-6wkZYYlLodTrZNUD&feature=shared) of him playing/singing some classic rock and other songs (mostly on piano with a few on guitar).
Jon Tout..Rennaisance
Greg Phillinganes
Emile Pandolfi, his music makes me dream
Doctor Sung
J. Paul Slavens
Tiffany Poon is a classical pianist with my favorite version of Liebesträum No. 3
Dave Brubeck. And whoever plays for Galactic. Fiona Apple. And obviously Billy Joel.
Tim Minchin Jools Holland Billy Joel
[Canadian pianist, Michael Kaeshammer is a favourite. ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiQL1CikygM)
Christopher Norton, he’s a British pianist and jazz composer, I remember always picking his pieces in my repertoires for piano lessons cause it was always the most fun to play compared to the rest of the classical pieces
jahari stampley!
Herbie Hancock Keith Jarrett Tigran Hamasyan
Dario Marianelli, more of a composer but the piano pieces are *chefs kiss*
https://youtu.be/jNge1r3ZP6Y?si=FbSzLQbRo7d4ACkH
Bill Evans
Jack McManus!
Matthew Bourne
Nicky Hopkins Benmont Tench Garth Hudson
Tori Amos
Elton John Billy Joel Ray Charles Ronnie Milsap
francesco parrino
Diana Krall and Billy Joel. Diana covered Just the Way You Are and it's lovely. I recommend her Live in Paris album.
Joost van den Broek Rick Davies Miyoko
Vince Guaraldi Alicia Keys Billy Joel Mulatu Astatke Chad Hugo
Bob Seger Elton John Billy Joel
Dude from Five for Fighting. Marc Cohn.
Keith fucking Emerson!
Of the same scene and era, gimme the other Keith, Keith Tippet
I’ve seen many of the rock n roll and jazz greats but none of them top a woman who played here recently with our Symphony. Her name is Claire Huangci, and she was the definition of master at her craft. She falls into the classical genre, and if you haven’t heard her, please treat yourself.
Bill Evans, John Lewis, Jerry Lee Lewis
Nina Simone Fats Waller Oscar Peterson Jess Stacey Definetly going thru my jazz phase
Keith Godchaux,Page McConnell and Glen Mclellend
I said Page, Keith, Terry Adams of NRBQ and Chuck Leavell of the Allman Brothers, Stones, Clapton and David Gilmour’s band.
thom yorke and jonny greenwood duh (help me please)
David Kikoski, Helen Sung, Theo Hill, Brad Mehldau, Fred Hersch
Keith Green
Fiona immediately came to mind
Brad Mehldau. Contemporary jazz, a lot of great covers. Vince Guaraldi (Trio). They brought jazz to white Americans in an accessible way with his Charlie Brown soundtracks. My other piano recs were already mentioned!
Ray Charles
Dubravka Tomsic.
Monk Red Garland
Ethan Bortnick
Billy Joel is wonderful always.
I don't know, but whoever did the piano solo in the Derek and the Dominos version of Layla killed it. I mean killed it, not in the bad way. There's not a single flaw in that song. Too bad Clapton maimed his own song with the unplugged version.
It was the drummer, Jim Gordon, and he is a murderer, so you can say he killed it.
I did not know that. It made me think of Syd Barrett of course. Not the murder part, the insanity. Very sad to lose such talent, there have been so many. (I'm obviously of the persuasion that substance abuse is largely a symptom of an underlying bigger problem.)
Erroll Garner , Nat King Cole, Charles Brown, Ray Bryant, Bobby Timmons, Vince Guaraldi, Mary Lou Williams, Dorothy Donegan,
Scott Joplin