Best Jazz pianist

Although I selected one above I agree with HiFiHarv's statement "How can there be a best" The arts are not a competition. All musicians have something to offer you. It is up to you to decide whom you like

Thelonius Monk & Keith Jarrett are at the top of my list.

Surprised McCoy Tyner hasn't been mentioned yet, but he is another great one.

It would more imformative and allow for more complete posts to ask, Who is the worst Jazz pianist? Because all the players mentioned are great, and I'm sure no one named all the ones they could have named.

Yeah, i likemost of them a lot.
The ONLY one I dislike is Art Tatum. Like Salieri sez' to Mozart: Too many notes!!!
Could Art Tatum even PLAY a bar without adding in a trill?
Drives me crazy.
Now Peterson and Tristiano add 'extra' stuff in.. but it is decent and reasonable...
Basie, now there is a minimalist! Only the notes needed.. no more!

Elizabeth, you can always be counted on to cut thru the BS and get to the right answer.

I agree about Tatum. I have his solo Masterpieces set, and I don't play them very much. After a while they all sound the same. Show off.

Peterson is not always great, but he is at least always very good. Sort of like clint eastwood in the movies.

Basie's style of playing in Jazz is sort of like B.B. King's style of playing the blues. The right note, at the right time, no more or less. You nailed it.