Best Jazz pianist

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.

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.

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