I was a loyal follower of Modern Jazz Quartet in my jazz period ~50 years ago. Saw them many times at the Village Gate and Village Vanguard. Brilliant musicians all--Percy Heath (bass) would come out with his bow and his music stand. Also liked Herbie Mann, Ramsey Lewis, Oliver Nelson, Ben Webster, Dizzy, Monk and especially, Eric Dolphy ("Mr. Avant Gard"). Saw all of them live.

Greatest contemporary bluesman, IMO, was the immortal Hendrix. Release of his brilliant live work showcased blues classics like "Red House," "Here My Train a'Comin'," and "Bleeding Heart." But you can hear blues in most of his studio work, including "Wind Cries Mary," "Hey Joe," "Bold as Love," "Long Hot Summer Night," etc. I also like Buddy Guy, Robert Johnson, Ledbelly, T-Bone Walker, Chester Burnette, BB King. Little Richard could do blues ("Send Me Some Loving" is a classic).