I think, first of all Benny and Artie....the standard that they set, particularly in the big band context stands on a pinnacle of its own. I can still be amazed at some of Benny's solos from the time when he was at his creative peak. 
 
In no particular order I would then choose Bigard - with Duke and the trio sides with Morton...he seems to have got bored by the time he was with Louis; Pee Wee, Teschmacher who was so advanced technically and creatively and influential, (as late as the early 40s some of his phrases still crop up in Benny's solos), Fazola, Jimmy Noone (what a technique!), Albert Nicholas, Ed Hall, Matty Matlock, Tony Scott, and of course Bechet. (I quite enjoy Mezz on clarinet too in contrast to his dreadful saxophone playing.) 
I admire Buddy de Franco's playing but have never been moved by it - the same with Eddie Daniels.  
 
And don't forget Abe Schwartz! What a player!