Mal Waldron (American jazz pianist)

A major pianist with a very distinctive play, although somewhat reminiscent of Monk's work, Mal Waldron was Billie Holiday last accompanist.
Then playing with Eric Dolphy (on the incredible Five Spot sessions), John Coltrane, Charles Mingus and others, Mr Waldron suffered from a severe health problem in the early 60's, thus had to relearn piano from his own records.

Most people can start with The Quest (an exceptionnal Dolphy record), or Mal-2, while listeners more familiar with his 60's work could jump in his later collaborations with Steve Lacy (Live at Dreher), or the sweet (and somewhat rare) Soul Eyes.