The piano can be a very intimidating instrument. It’s a big deal, in terms of range, harmonic possibilities, percussiveness, etc.. Also, the piano plays different roles depending on the setting: solo, with or without a bassist, piano trio, small group, with or without a guitar in the rhythm section, comping for soloists, in a big band, and the list goes on.  And excellent piano players range widely from virtuosic soloists (think Art Tatum, Mary Lou Williams, Chucho Valdes) to