Underrated jazz greats


I listen to all sorts of music, but mostly jazz. There are many musicians who, for whatever reason, don't attract the attention that their great gifts possibly deserve. I would be interested to know who others think are hidden gems in the jazz world, who have contributed substantially to the genre.

I will begin with two musicians who I believe are outstanding, and deserving of the highest recognition.

1) Lew Tabackin - an outstanding tenor player, and a phenomenal jazz flutist in my view.

2) Sir Roland Hanna - tremendous command of the keyboard, and he thought around the perimeter of pieces to make them both musically and intellectually satisfying.

Very interested in others' thoughts.
stewartr
Bobby Timmons was one of the all time greats. His work with Blakey and the Messengers is unforgettable, also with Cannonball and Nat Adderly. To me, he was the personification of "soul".

The post's on this thread indicate those who posted are true jazz aficionado's. During these times, I don't have money to waste; however, buying the best jazz is a necessity. Viridian recommended "Jaki Byard with Strings", which I have ordered. I think it would be helpful if everyone went through their collection and chose the best CD by the artist they highlighted, that's available.
Orpheus alas, for me records are like children, there can be no favorites. But a starting point for the Akioshi/Tabakin Big Band is probably "Long Yellow Road" on RCA.

Kirk is just too tough, too many styles, too much development, but why not start with one of the compilation albums on Atlantic, or to start at the beginning, before he was Rashaan, "Introducing Roland Kirk", originally issued on Argo and subsequently reissued on Chess?

And you have repaid the favor in kind, I am going to look for Chico Hamilton's "Head Hunters" this weekend.

Have a great 4th. I will be at the Portland Waterfront Blues Festival watching Buddy Guy and Lucinda Williams!