Jazz recommendations?

You should get a ton of good recommendations. Nearly all the Bobo Stenson recordings might work and they have a pretty low processed cheese content. Might also want to try:
Kirk Lightsey Trio/Goodbye Mr. Evans
Steve Kuhn/Mostly Ballads
Enrico Pieranunzi/Untold Story
Ketil Bjornstad/Any
Jon Balke/Any
Wayne Horvitz/Sweeter Than The Day
Peter Erskine/Live At Rocco
Charlie Haden/Nocturne

tord gufstavsen comes to mind,not so smooth jazz,a little more traditional with a taste of contemporary.a little on the slow side for most but good for what you are looking for imho.

Try Straight Up by Bob James.

Bob James works for me when I want something unobtrusive.

I would also agree with the Tord Gustavsen Trio pick, either The Ground or Changing Places are both great cd's, very introspective and distinct sounding, but easy on the ears.
The Bill Evans Trio/ Waltz for Debby