Assuming you're asking for Jazz, here are a few living artists—
Branford Marsalis - any album. Perhaps more talented than his more famous brother. Contemporary, yet well grounded in tradition.
Joshua Redman - any album. Creative, fresh, distinctive, expressive, inspired. . .
James Carter - any album. Best recording quality of the three, yet all are excellent. Carter is edgier, crosses stylistic boundaries and blends in contemporary pop influences.
Branford Marsalis - any album. Perhaps more talented than his more famous brother. Contemporary, yet well grounded in tradition.
Joshua Redman - any album. Creative, fresh, distinctive, expressive, inspired. . .
James Carter - any album. Best recording quality of the three, yet all are excellent. Carter is edgier, crosses stylistic boundaries and blends in contemporary pop influences.