What is the best piano jazz trio album of all time?

The piano trio is jazz's most intimate format — three voices in constant conversation. These albums showcase the sublime interplay between piano, bass, and drums at its most magical.

1

Sunday at the Village Vanguard

Bill Evans Trio's 1961 landmark — the album that redefined piano-trio interplay.

2

The Köln Concert

Keith Jarrett's 1975 solo improvisation masterpiece — deservedly the best-selling jazz piano album.

3

Waltz for Debby

Bill Evans Trio's 1961 Village Vanguard live set — melodic piano trio perfection.

4

We Get Requests

Oscar Peterson Trio's 1964 album — the smoothest, swingingest piano trio of its era.

5

Now He Sings, Now He Sobs

Chick Corea's 1968 trio debut — acoustic piano trio mastery before fusion called.

6

But Not for Me

Ahmad Jamal Trio's 1958 live set — minimalism and swing at the Pershing.

7

The Art of the Trio Vol. 3

Brad Mehldau's 1998 album — a modern piano trio approach with rock and classical influences.

8

Explorations

Bill Evans Trio's 1961 studio album with Scott LaFaro — cerebral, emotional, essential.

9

Esbjörn Svensson Trio - Strange Place for Snow

E.S.T.'s 2002 album — Scandinavian piano trio's new template.

10

Keith Jarrett - Standards Vol. 1

Keith Jarrett's 1983 standards trio debut with Peacock and DeJohnette — a new piano-trio era.

11

Thelonious Himself

Thelonious Monk's 1957 solo piano album — Monk at his most introspective.

12

Hiromi - Voice

Hiromi's 2011 trio album with Anthony Jackson and Simon Phillips — jazz virtuosity reborn.