Best Jazz pianist

It is fair to say that Monk, set the standard. Bill Evans, for me, a very close 2nd!

I love Monk. 
I love Bud Powell.
I love Claude Williamson.
I love Hampton Hawes.
I love Brubeck.
I love Art Tatum.
I love George Shearing.
I love Bill Evans.
I love Tommy Flanagan. 
I love  Phineas Newborn Jr.
I love  Ahmad Jamal.

Oscar Peterson = Blazing technique ... no soul.
Keith Jarrett = Please, stuff a rag in his mouth. 

They are all excellent and each have had they're special moments.
Steve Lawrence relayed a story about being a guest at a club in Europe with Fran Sinatra.On stage,the piano player asked Frank if there is something special he would like to hear.
His reply was Oscar Peterson but he's not here.
I'd like to add Vince Guaraldi to the already mentioned greats

Was there anyone before Monk & Ellington ?

Keep me posted & Happy Listening!

Oscar Peterson had a lot of soul , Canadian soul is just expressed in a different manner than ours .
Put another Canadian in there, Paul Bley .