[Shostie]

I'd have to go with Dave Brubeck. "Take Five" is easily one of the best jazz albums ever produced. He has a slightly more recent release called "Young Lions and Old Tigers" (or "Young Tigers and Old Lions." I can never remember which way it is). It's basically Brubeck and his band playing songs he's composed for up and coming jazz artists with said up and coming artists, as well as some standards with his friends. Album features bassist Christian McBride, Roy Hargrove, and Michael Brecker, among others.

If you're in the mood for something a bit older, I'd reccommed some bebop. Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gilespie; Jazz gods among men...