I have several compilation CDs from the House of Blues, which I like a lot, especially for someone just getting his/her feet wet. Lots of different artists and style and you can see what suits you. I especially like the two "Essential Women in Blues" CDs -- KoKo Taylor, Ida cox, Ruth Brown, Alberta Hunter, Etta James, Sippie Wallace, Big Maybelle, etc., etc.although the site seems awfully damned busy and full of eye candy, I think you can order the CDs from here:
Have mercy and say 'yeah,'
WW