The piano is a cornerstone of this music, lending some of the finest composers, soloists, and forward thinking improvisers throughout history. And as a serious musician, you should be studying jazz piano solos too…
Whether it’s comping, soloing, or playing tunes, pianists are continually integrating the core elements of musical expression – rhythm, melody, and harmony – into their daily approach.
And this is precisely why piano solos are such a great resource to study, even if you don’t happen to be a pianist! Today we’ll dive into some iconic solos from some of the best jazz pianists out there.
Below you’ll find:
- 9 important jazz piano recordings
- Transcribed solos & excerpts to study and practice
- and in-depth lessons to expand your knowledge
Nine Iconic Jazz Piano Solos
Rather than an exhaustive list with every player under the sun, our aim here is to touch on a few notable solos from iconic players – touching on different branches within the larger jazz piano tradition.
And from there you can explore the solos that grab your ear the most…
As you get deeper into this music, the larger goal is to expand your awareness, attaching actual music to the famous names you’ve heard for years. Spending time with records and specific solos until you “get it,” until you hear, feel, and understand why these players are so important.
And this lesson will help you begin this journey, from the bebop innovators to modern masters we love to listen to today.
Let’s get started…
1) Bud Powell, Celia
Bud Powell is the quintessential bebop pianist, and the solo he plays on his composition Celia contains all the hallmarks of his style – musical inventiveness, linear agility, and harmonic brilliance…
Further study:
- 5 Bud Powell Tunes Every Improviser Should Know – Bud Powell’s genius wasn’t just limited to his solos, he was also a gifted composer that left a legacy of jazz standards, here are 5 you should learn.
- The Ultimate Guide to Bebop Tunes: 30 Essential Songs – Many of Powell’s amazing solos were over the bebop repertoire – learn the standards in this lesson.
2) Wynton Kelly, Freddie Freeloader
Wynton Kelly possessed a melodic and swinging style that can’t be notated – you have to absorb the music to get it.
And his solo on Freddie Freeloader from Kind of Blue exhibits this element over a unique, but familiar blues:
Check out this lesson for a more in-depth look into Wynton’s solo on Freddie Freeloader:
3) Herbie Hancock, One Finger Snap
Herbie Hancock is probably the most well-know jazz pianist in the world, and for good reason…
Although he has played countless solos of note, his ten choruses on One Finger Snap from his 1964 record Empyrean Isles stand out:
Herbie’s solo is a masterclass in linear development over a longer solo and a window into his approach to sus chords, ii-V language, and dominant alterations.
Check out this in-depth Premium lesson for the entire solo transcription and a break down of specific techniques:
For further study – And here are a few lessons to check out focusing on Herbie’s work as a sideman:
- How to Create the Perfect Solo: A Lesson with Herbie Hancock – Here we dive into his solo on Lee Morgan’s Ceora, a model in thematic development.
- Herbie Hancock Plays You’re My Everything – From the classic Freddie Hubbard record Hub-Tones, we break down Herbie’s solo on the reharmonized changes to a familiar standard.
4) McCoy Tyner, Blues on the Corner
McCoy Tyner has made a profound influence on the modern approach to jazz piano, from his time with the Coltrane Quartet and beyond…
Here is his solo on Blues On The Corner from his record “The Real McCoy:”
In this lesson we take a closer look at McCoy’s use of pentatonic techniques in the solo above:
3 Secrets to Soloing with the Pentatonic Scale: A Lesson with McCoy Tyner
5) Chick Corea, Matrix
Chick Corea was as innovative as he was versatile, becoming one of the foremost pianists of his generation.
From the landmark album Now He Sings, Now He Sobs with Roy Haynes and Miroslav Vitous, we’ll listen to his solo on the blues Matrix:
6) Paul Bley, All the things you are
Many great pianists today cite Paul Bley as an influence, and when you listen to him it becomes clear – a fearless innovator that created a unique voice on the instrument.
His solo on All the Things You Are from the album Sonny Meets Hawk! might be his most notable…
Further Study:
To truly appreciate what Bley is doing on this tune, it helps to understand the form and progression. This 3-part Premium Lesson on All the Things You Are is a great place to begin:
- All the Things You Are – Part I: The A Section
- All the Things You Are – Part II: The Bridge
- All the Things You Are – Part III: The Walkdown
7) Mulgrew Miller, If I Were a Bell
Mulgrew Miller connecting the blues, the Great American Songbook, and a modern approach inspired by Woody Shaw and other musical innovators.
His solo here on If I Were a Bell, recorded live at Yoshi’s, contains all of these elements…
8) Kenny Kirkland, Mr. J.C.
Kenny Kirkland gained prominence playing with the bands of Wynton and Branford Marsalis, Sting, and later with Kenny Garrett, notably on the album Songbook.
Check out his solo here over his composition Mr. J.C. from his 1991 self-titled album…
This is a great solo to ingrain for techniques on minor language, altered dominant tactics, and developing a linear swing feel…
9) Brad Mehldau, London Blues
Brad Mehldau is one of the most prominent pianists today, influencing the younger generation of piano players following in his footsteps…
This solo on London Blues is from his 1995 trio record featuring Christian McBride and Brian Blade:
These Jazz Piano Solos are just the beginning
Remember, these nine solos are just the tip of the iceberg is a sea of amazing piano players…
Start with one solo that speaks to you and spend time patiently listening to it and absorbing the phrases.
It’s also helpful to start with a song form that you’re familiar with like the Blues or Rhythm Changes, tackling a solo where you don’t have to worry so much about the form or progression.
The larger goal is to expand your musical knowledge and build your familiarity with the great musicians that paved the way before you…
