White pianist Fred Hersch coined a lyrical and sentimental style through the trio recordings that peaked with Horizons (october 1984), the first album of mainly original material, definitely maturing with the lullabies and elegies of Heartsongs (december 1989) and Forward Motion (july 1991).

He continued to excel at trio recordings, notably: Sarabande (december 1986) with bassist Charlie Haden and drummer Joey Baron; Dancing In The Dark (december 1992) with bassist Drew Gress and drummer Tom Rainey; Thirteen Ways (june 1995) with clarinetist Michael Moore and drummer Gerry Hemingway. Solo (Palmetto, 2015) was a live recording.

Open Book (mostly recorded in april 2017) is a solo album containing the 20-minute Through The Forest (recorded in november 2016).

Credited to bassist John Hebert, Sounds Of Love (march 2013) documents a live performance by Taylor Ho Bynum (cornet), Tim Berne (alto sax), Fred Hersch (piano) and Ches Smith (drums & percussion).

Breath By Breath (august 2021) contains the 45-minute Sati Suite, accompanied by the Crosby String Quartet and the rhythm section of bassist Drew Gress and German drummer Jochen Rueckert.

Silent Listening (may 2023) contains piano solos.

The trio with Drew Gress (double bass) and Joey Baron (drums) recorded The Surrounding Green (ECM, 2025) (may 2024).

The song cycle Suspended In Time (december 2023) documents a collaboration with vocalist Rondi Charleston, accompanied by Bruce Williamson (clarinet), Matt Aronoff (bass), Kush Abadey (drums), Rogerio Boccato (percussion), the vocalists Gabrielle Stravelli and Kate McGarry, and the Crosby String Quartet.

Feebles, Fables And Ferns (august 1988) documents duets with guitarist Mick Goodrick.