Out of all the great albums released in 2010 and reviewed on this site, those focusing on the piano represent the greatest percentage. The piano seems to be at the forefront of innovation, perhaps because the instrument’s versatility makes it the easiest one with which to incorporate diverse styles. The list below consists of albums released in 2010 that demonstrate the vitality of piano music in contemporary jazz, whether it calls upon traditional jazz, classical music, free improvisation, or modern indie rock.
1. Aaron Goldberg – ‘Home’
Courtesy of Sunny Side Records
The playfully virtuosic Aaron Goldberg pays tribute to Thelonious Monk, Antonio Carlos Jobim, and Stevie Wonder on Home, which features saxophonist Mark Turner. Despite the musical influence or tradition at play, the music is marked by buoyant expression.
2. Bill Carrothers – ‘Joy Spring’
Courtesy of Pirouet Records
3. Dawn of Midi – ‘First’
Courtesy of Accretions Records
Although Dawn of Midi has the same instrumentation of a piano trio (piano, bass, and drums), it is not piano-centric. Each member of the group plays an equal role in creating sparse and dynamic free improvisation.
4. Fred Hersch – ‘Whirl’
Courtesy of Palmetto Records
5. Vijay Iyer – ‘Solo’
Courtesy of ACT Records
6. Danilo Pérez – ‘Providencia’
Courtesy of Mack Avenue Records
7. Dan Tepfer – ‘Five Pedals Deep’
Courtesy of Sunnyside Records
