Jazz artists for late starter.


Goodfellows, I have overlooked the genre of Jazz in the past, so I thought I would add to my collection of approx 2 jazz cd's. I purchased from someone who was moving and didn't want to lug his collection of cd's so I bought approx 65 for $120.
The artists include, Miles Davis (10), Bill Evans, Weather Report, Roland Guerin, Charles Mingus, Freddi Hubbard, Artie Shaw, Dave Brubeck, Wynton Marsalis, John Abercombie, Sonny Rollins Bill Frissell, Step Grapelli, Pat Metheny, Chick Corea, Keith Jarrett, John Coltrane, Thelosonious Monk, to name most of them.
I am enjoying listening to the cd's.
Can anyone recommend any other jazz artists? I do not care for male or female vocal Jazz, just music. Also if there are any jazz groups where the drummer uses sticks rather than brushes, would be a big bonus.
Many Thanks
128x128gawdbless
An endless list to choose from so I'll take up your point about drummers to start somewhere. In no particular order here are just a few of the icons, indispensible in every collection, whereby, looking at your list you're likely to have some of the "hard-hitters" playing in different groups already

Tony Williams (Tony Williams Lifetime, New Lifetime)
Jack deJohnette
Max Roach
Roy Haynes
Alphonse Mouzon
Bill Cobham

I promise, you're in for mind-blowing discoveries!
Peter Erskine ( drummer ) has a few nice Piano Jazz type cds ...Layback type,but very nice sonics.............
Lou Donaldson
Jimmy Smith
Bobby Hutcherson
Return to Forever (if you like Weather Report)
Lonnie Smith
Cannonball Adderley
Ike Quebec
I could also add to this list, but I'm wondering what you liked the most out of your initial purchase. Knowing that I might be more specific to your tastes. (Yeah, I know, sadly, no vocals and no brushes). ;-)

Dave