Jazz Recommendations


I am just starting to get into Jazz. I recently bought Thelonious Monk Quartet "Live at Monterey" and was blown away. Could you recommend other mainstream Jazz recordings that I should have in a basic collection to help me get started.
kadlec
I would add...Clark Terry and Red Mitchell To Duke and Basie....Incredible!!!!!!!!
Maynard Fergurson's "Master of the stratisphere" has got to be up there with one of the best. The number 8 recording is taken from the very famous opera (forgot the name) that Caruso is always heard singing which is to demonstrate his greatness. It'll roll your socks up.... By the way, the person who recommended Little Jimmy Scott's "Over the Rainbow" owes me $17.99.
Here's some more recent jazz artists that I really like.
1. Medeski Martin & Wood
2. John Scofield
3. Charlie Hunter
4. Bill Frisell
5. Bela Fleck and the Flecktones
6. Soulive

Also, if you like jazz check out some jambands, especially my favorite band, Phish.
Vincere, thanks for the recommendations. I heard Bela Fleck live in a reasonably intimate setting and absolutely loved the concert! When I bought a CD, I was somewhat disappointed at the "studio" sound (vs live sound) that seemed to lose the pacing and rhythm I was expecting. Could you recommend a CD that captures the energy of the band? Thanks.
Chet Baker-self titled
Bill Evans/Jim Hall-Undercurrent
Bill Evans-Live At The Village Vanguard
Soundtrack Pete Kelly's Blues
Anything Grant Green

I could go on forever...this is insane....check around and read some literature on jazz. Not sure what tastes you have in jazz music (blues influenced/lounge/vocalist/bop)? Lots to explore thats for sure.