need some suggestions for Acoustics Blues

Some great suggestions so far, particularly anything that Willie Dixon played on, and any recording you can find of Son House. However, to make a less traditional suggestion, a good acoustic recording, with some blues aspects, is Eric Clapton Unplugged. I find this to be an especially involving recording, and I often use it when auditioning new equipment.

With regard to the other suggestions, I have many recordings by the above-referenced artists, but so many of them are not well recorded, mixed, or produced. Any suggestions on specific recordings that are worth acquiring? I was fairly impressed with what I heard on the PBS airing of Martin Scorcese's "The Blues", so I have high hopes for the derivative CDs and DVDs of that production.

Tom.

I cast my vote for Mississippi John Hurt as well, very pleasent and smooth to listen to.

Early Tuna features harmonica, fiddle, and great bluesy guitar work. Live at Sweetwater I & II are very good sounding for digital.

Spencer

I second the vote for Eric Bibb. All three albums on hybrid SACD/CD on the Opus3 label are great and each of his several others on regular CD (that I have listened to) are good as well. Great music which is fabulously recorded to boot. Start with the Opus3 discs - I recommend " Just Like Love" as a starting place.

Mississippi Fred McDowell - Mississippi Delta Blues
Blind Lemon Jefferson - King of the Country Blues
Big Bill Broonzy - BBB Sings Folk Songs
Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry - BM and ST Sing
Elizabeth Cotten - Freight Train and Other NC Folk Songs