Best Jazz pianist

So many good choices as to be expected, there have been many talented pianist over the years and then factor in the multitude of styles.
I'll base mine on who I find myself listening to the most often.
Theloneous Monk, Herbie Hancock, Kenny Barron, Tommy Flanagan and the sleeper on my list Barry Harris (a pure bopper with a beautiful left hand).
I could name many more, I 'm just glad someone recorded these fabulous musicians.
Regards,

Oregonpapa,
Whence I  first  became really interested in jazz I was naturally  drawn to the  big and established  names. So it was a lot of Oscar Petterson, I like him. Later on I discovered Thelonious Monk. I wouldn't say Oscar lacks soul but he doesn't move me as Monk does, just an entirely deeper  level. Natural evolving process with added time, lisstening and  exposure to this wonderful genre.I respect Petterson but have  the highest admiration and love for Monk''s playing and equally for his fabulous compositions. There is a profound emotional  connection with Monk that isn't  evoked with Petterson. Purely  subjective  obviously as we're  discussing artists of enormous talent with different  appeal.
Charles,

Bdp24,
Technical  chops are as you note a different  criteria and just a  portion of  what makes a  musician someone  you  love to hear. Buddy Rich is an excellent  example, supreme virtuoso yet there  are numerous other  drummers I'd rather listen to as when playing with a  group  or jazz combo.

There's that  all important  emotional  connection  factor and certain  players  have that special ability or talent that  goes straight to  one's soul. Hard to describe  but we know it when we hear it. I fully understand  the accolades bestowed  on Tatum from the  many  admiring pianists, perfectly understood. Yet at the end of the day I listen to T. Monk far  more often than I do Art Tatum, despite the extraordinary  chops and all.
Charles,