I've listened to lots of different types of music this year, but by far latin music has reigned supreme, and at the absolute top of the list is the music of Papo Vazquez. This guy and his band are incredible. Superior jazz chops, great arrangements, and grooves so deep that DJs and other like minded artists would do well to sample them. Not far behind is Jerry Gonzalez and his Fort Apache Bronx Band (Thanks to Mike W. for the suggestion ). Even though he's had a fair amount of success I feel he's still an underappreciated jazz artist, and not just latin jazz, although everything he does is informed by his latin roots. Also listened to a ton of Cal Tjader after some time away from his music in recent years. The Sambalanco Trio, Zimbo Trio, and few other like minded trios also got a large amount of play this year.
Other non latin artists that received lots of play this year included The Meters, Toots and The Maytals, Deep Blue Organ Trio, Gil Evans, Charlie Christian w/Benny Goodman, Mott The Hoople, Philip Catherine, and Stan Getz.