Amazing Solo Piano Recordings

There is a three CD set of Thelonius Monk on Black Lion that was recorded in the early 70s. I believe one of the discs is solo piano and the recording is exceptional.

Not being one to trash the opinions of fellow A-goners, I was a little reluctant place this post. But as many posters like to end their opinions with YMMV ... I have to make a couple of observations. First, I was less enthusiastic about my Michel Camilo SACD recommendation. I now endorse his solo outing wholeheartedly. IMHO, based on the subject of the thread, this title is definitely worth a listen.

Secondly, my thinking when encountering the latent stage of this post ... was that we were strictly talking about production value of the recording, as opposed to style or musical taste. On the strength of opinions in this thread, I immediately went to Amazon and ordered three (3) titles - Dick Hyman's Ellington, Art Tatum 20th Century, and the classical piece by Mieczyslaw Horszowski. I picked up the first two at my P.O. box last night. Prior to playing, they were both treated with Extreme Cable's Liquid Resolution (good stuff).

For starters, the Hyman CD left much to be desired ... in recording quality. Overall it is a decent CD; but "amazing" recording ... far from it. This work was a bit colored ... somewhat bright, with slightly exaggerated "hall effect". It just didn't sound as natural as I expected. The Art Tatum piece, while very good in terms of recording quality, was really not in a style that I prefer. Not a particular fan of the "stride" tradition. No doubt they have their fans; so I should not have any trouble selling them at a very deep discount.

Although not strictly a solo, Herbie Hancock's work on Gershwin's World is a reference for Red Book. Oscar Peterson's solo handling of Sophisticated Lady is another standard by which to measure Red Book production quality. Both these outings are characterized by instrument weight, correct timbre, and natural tonality. I also have a few test CD's from Tube Research Labs (TRL). These were produced from master dubs/pressing plant masters, and they sound very close to SACD. What they all have in common is that the listener is placed closer to the music. IMO that is what makes a recording truly amazing.

This is my fav:

http://michelcamilo.com/welcome.html

I agree with Strateahed, let's get this back on topic.

What's MOST important is the recording/production/engineering quality of the solo piano CD. Please mention if it is classical, jazz, etc. Weight, depth, clarity, speed and lack of color here.

As my audio system improves, my list of listenable CDs diminishes. Or should I say, my list of "Wow, that recording is incredible, it just sucks me in and takes me away" gets smaller...

Rob Thomas (When the Heartache Ends- Piano version), Alison Krauss (Oh, Atlanta) not solo piano though, Sarah McLachlan (Angel). These songs take me away. I would like Classical piano records that do the same.

Not the performance as most important, the mastering of the recording should be stellar!

Chic Corea solo piano "Expressions"
Man can this man play. His style of jazz piano on "10"