Under Appreciated Jazz Piano Players

Duke Ellington's mastery of the piano is not always given its due. Likewise, Fats Waller is sometimes seen as an entertainer and his musicianship is not fully appreciated. Not always easy to say when someone is under appreciated. Presumably, you have to discount the fact you are talking about an under appreciated art form. Some were appreciated by critics yet did not sell a lot of records (or vice versa). Some were appreciated in their time but are under appreciated today (or vice versa). At any rate, other jazz pianists who in some sense were/are under appreciated include:
Al Haig
Tommy Flanagan
George Wallington
Mary Lou Williams
Martial Solal (his At Newport '63 LP is a gem)
Michel Camilo
Monty Alexander
John Campbell

In response to 4yanx–I think you can't go wrong with Montreux '77 and Alone with the Blues, but Ray Bryant is pretty consistent in quality, if quite eclectic in material.

Also, Tommy Flanagan is so masterful that I forget that he may be underappreciated. Giant Steps, his homage to Coltrane, is one of my favorite albums of any type.

OSCAR PETERSON

Marian McPartland, the grande dame. Her knowledge of harmony is so profound and her demonstration of that knowledge so subtle that her artistry is lost on many folks. May you live forever, my love!

will

Hey Peach...Russ Freeman plays guitar. I agree however that no amount of appreciation is enough for Bill Evans! Eric Reed anyone?