Some blues suggestions

Guy Davis should be right up your alley. Also, Chris Smither, though he's not quite as bluesy.

I heartily agree with the suggestions for Doug Macleod. His recordings on AudioQuest have great fidelity.

If you're into searching the roots of this music, definitely check out Robert Johnson.

i'd suggest you check out alvin youngblood hart

Jack McDuff, Hound Dog Taylor, Nina Simone Sings the Blues

Keb is a modern blues player with modern recordings. Along this line you need to own:
Tab Benoit out of NO, blues guitar ripper + soul, funk, live.
Amazing female vocalist Susan Tedeschi, live. Anyone remember Janis, live?
Kenny Wayne Sheppard, guitar phenom, any.
Vintage performers:
Buddy Guy, live with GE Smith is a great newer recording. He has several greats through the 90's to present.
Albert King, smooth as butter.
Bobby Blue Bland, no more passionate male blues caller.
BB King, Live at the Regal, and live with Bobby Bland.
Last but not least on this very short list, John Lee Hooker for some deep south stringing and grumbling.
Funk shall not go unrepresented here, the next logical progression:
The Funky Meters, live.
The Greyboy Allstars, live.
Charlie Hunter Trio.
Galactic, live.
I leave so many out, but this will get you to sippin' bourbon and boogie-woogie'n.

The new Eric Bibb with Maria Muldaur and Rory Block is great. Also Lucky Peterson, Trudy Lynn, Etta James, Charlie Musslewhite.