Count Basie, Big Phat Band, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, those are all realy good jazz artists. and if you have a record shop near by it with most likely have a jazz section, just ask the clerk what some good albums are as well.
there are no good local record shops anywhere anymore (unless you live near an Amoeba Records) your best bet is Discogs, it's like eBay but solely for music.