The Modern Jazz Quartet. "The Last Concert" live at Carnegie Hall. It was the first jazz record I ever bought on recommendation from Stereo Review c. 1974. I still have it, play it often, and get something new out of it every time.
Ellington's small group performances on "Money Jungle," and "The Intimate Ellington." The combo on "Money Jungle consists of Ellington, Charles Mingus, and Max Roach. How cool is that?
For big band jazz anything by Duke and Count Basie, but a special favorite is the three record set of Linda Ronstadt singing from the great American songbook, "'Round Midnight." Nelson Riddle orchestrated the whole shebang and led his orchestra. Is it jazz? It'll do 'til the real thing comes along, to paraphrase Patricia Barber. Her "Live, A Fortnight in France" is also a fine album.