Favorite Pianists


I've recently become obsessed with great piano music. Not necessarily classical, just great. Like the thread I started regarding acoustic guitar, this follows the same lines. Who is your favorite? It doesn't have to be based on the ability to play fast or on the technical ability side of it. It just needs to be moving. Needs to be able to pull you in and tell a story of your past. I guess the best term to describe this is simply beautiful music.

As of right now, Ludovico Einaudi is my absolute favorite. I've listened to quite a bit of this genre lately and George Winston, Peter Kater and Kevin Kern all get high marks from me. But none of them move me like Ludovico Einaudi.

If you have an absolute favorite, just one that hits you like no other, post it. If you have several, list them.

Thanks!
tiggerfc
For Jazz I really like so many artists it is hard to single out a top few but they would have to include

Earl Hines
Erroll Garner
Oscar Peterson
Dave Brubeck
Bill Evans
Bud Powell
Herbie Hancock

Technically the best of the lot has to be Art Tatum. I doubt there has been or ever will be anyone that matches his combination of virtuosity and improvisational skills, twinkle fingers! What a delight to hear him at his best.

And as for women of this genre check this out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Bhebd9Wbkk&feature=related
Vladimir Horowitz is my favorite musician.Byron Janis is excellent also for classical.Both play Rachmaninoff to my liking.I never cared for Van Cliburn playing Chopin.
Nicky Hopkins...check his playing on Jerry Garcia Band's "let it rock". amazing.