Just like you I have a preference in jazz piano. You may listen to Keith Jarrett Trio (Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock and Jack Dejohnette). Quasi Only 16/44 kbits. Always good recorded by ECM. Try for example Still Live, the Cure and the Out of Towners in CD or in downloads on QOBUZ. This is true heaven.
You may listen to :
Helge Lien Trio
Tord Gustavsen Trio
Jan Johansson
(Dieter Illg could be a match for you as well)
Bill Evans (I recommend to start with: You Must Believe in Spring…this is my all time fav)
Brad Mehldau (fav!)
Esbjörn Svensson Trio (E.S.T)
Ketil Björnstad
Stefano Bollani
just to name a few…these bands are not that “free format hardcore hectic”
My first Jazz Piano recording was (and it was my first Jazz album ever) Yout Must Belive in Spring from Bill Evans. I bought this and after 20sec I knew: wow- this is something special. Think this is still one of the greatest recordings ever made (for Jazz…)
Later on, I bought Keith J: Köln Concert - that was my second one. Now crossing over Brad Mehldau, e.s.t (they were so great!), Bill Evans (almost every record), …there are so many outsanding artist. For me, it’s all about melody, harmony and lyrical approach vs “see how fast I can play”