Cool jazz piano: from classic favorites to hidden gems.

New RagKeith Jarrett

New Rag

“New Rag” is a track included on American jazz pianist Keith Jarrett’s 1968 release Somewhere Before.

The piece was released under the Keith Jarrett Trio name, and the three-person ensemble is incredibly cool.

In particular, Jarrett’s piano stands out with phrases that make full use of silence.

Rather than cramming in too many notes, the melodies blend into the overall atmosphere of the piece and seem to melt seamlessly into your body.

MatrixChick Corea Trio

Chick Corea Trio – Matrix

Chick Corea, the jazz pianist from the United States.

Beginning with his 1972 album Return to Forever, he’s well known for avant-garde pieces leaning toward fusion.

At the same time, his albums with strong early-jazz elements are not to be overlooked.

Among them, Matrix from the 1968 album Now He Sings, Now He Sobs is a must-listen.

The piano darting freely over the driving drums and bass is irresistible! The phrases deliberately sprinkled with avoid notes are fascinating as well.

HopoponoGoGo Penguin

GoGo Penguin – Hopopono (Official Video) [Gondwana Records]

GoGo Penguin is a piano trio from Manchester, UK, known for their refined, forward-thinking style, and they’re highly popular in Japan as well.

This track unfolds from a minimal motif that ripples outward, portraying a back-and-forth between exhilaration and introspection as if racing through a city night.

The crisp, tactile beat and classical harmonies hold impatience and hope in the same space.

It was included on the album v2.

0, released in March 2014, and also appeared on the Deluxe Edition that October.

It’s perfect for late-night drives or deep focus—tune in to the details and savor the low-end swell and the piano’s hypnotic repetitions.

RainKenny Barron

Rain

Its delicate, story-rich performance is like a gentle spring rain quietly falling.

This gem of a duo by American artists Kenny Barron and Dave Holland weaves an elegant world that seeps into the heart.

Featured on their 2014 album The Art of Conversation, this piece captures the multifaceted character of rain through a resonant dialogue between piano and bass.

The refined melodies and deep, resonant sound tenderly envelop moments of quiet reflection—listening to raindrops by the window or yearning for the arrival of spring.

Perfect for a calm afternoon tea or as a companion to reading on a rainy day, it is sure to create a lovely, soothing interlude.

Eight Concert Etudes, Op. 40: No. 1 “Prelude”Nikolai Kapustin

Nobuyuki Tsujii / Kapustin: 8 Concert Etudes Op.40 No.1 “Prelude”

This piece, by Russian composer Nikolai Kapustin, who was born in Ukraine, is characterized by a bright, energetic style.

It’s rhythmic, seamlessly blending the swing feel of jazz with the precision of classical music, and it might just make your body start moving as you listen.

You may even get the illusion that a jazz combo is playing, even though it’s all on a single piano.

For performers, it demands advanced technique and offers a rewarding challenge.

For listeners, however, it’s a light and delightful piece.

It’s definitely one to hear if you love both classical and jazz.

Concert Etudes, 8 Pieces: No. 5 “Joke”Nikolai Kapustin

Eight Concert Etudes Op. 40 Raillery

This is a vibrant piece that fuses classical music with jazz.

Included in the 1984 album “Eight Concert Etudes, Op.

40,” it has a light, witty character that tickles the listener’s imagination.

Skillfully incorporating jazz elements such as swing and boogie-woogie while honoring classical formal beauty, it’s an irresistibly appealing work.

Rhythmic, dynamic phrases unfold one after another, enveloping the entire hall in a joyful atmosphere.

Performed by world-renowned pianists like Nikolai Petrov and Marc-André Hamelin, this piece is perfect for those who want to showcase both technique and expressive power.

It’s sure to create a captivating, unforgettable stage.

Fly Me To The MoonBart Howard

"Fly Me To The Moon" Jazz Arrangement [How to Play Piano—Absolutely Playable Even for Beginners] Level ☆☆

Known as a jazz standard, Fly Me To The Moon is a classic that continues to be performed in a variety of arrangements, from Frank Sinatra’s vocal version to instrumental covers by jazz artists.

It was also used as the ending theme for Neon Genesis Evangelion, so many people first discovered the song through Eva.

The chord progression itself isn’t particularly complex and is largely repetitive, making it a good choice for beginners.

If you actually try playing the melody and chords on the piano, you’ll notice how stylish and sophisticated it sounds.

The secret to that stylish feel lies in the sound of seventh chords used throughout the piece.

Even just sticking to the basics—melody in the right hand and chords in the left—lets you enjoy that chic vibe.

So if you’re a beginner who wants to play something stylish on the piano or try a jazz-like tune, definitely give it a shot!