Description: Piano jazz refers to a style of jazz music where the piano is a central and often solo instrument. It has played a significant role in the development of jazz, featuring influential pianists who have shaped the genre. Piano jazz encompasses various subgenres and styles, including stride piano, boogie-woogie, bebop, and modal jazz. Key characteristics of piano jazz include improvisation, syncopated rhythms, and expressive use of harmony. Pioneering jazz pianists such as Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, and Art Tatum made lasting contributions to the genre. The piano continues to be a versatile and essential instrument in jazz, with contemporary artists exploring new approaches and incorporating diverse influences into the tradition of piano jazz.