I, too, connect to the country blues - a man, a guitar, and maybe a harp. In addition to those listed above, I latched on to Willie Brown and Willie Brown and Willie Brown and Willie Brown - yes, there were at least four of them. For modern players, I still seek out the solo voice and guitar guys - John Hammond, Paul Geremia, Roy Book Binder,etc., and my personal favorite - Van Ronk.

For you fingerstylists, pick up Joseph Spence - Original 1958 Field Recordings. This can't be called blues, but I guarantee you will be amazed by the synchopation of this guy. I constantly find myself listening to the spaces between the notes as much as the music itself. A word of caution - Joseph was not, in my opinion, a great vocalist - mostly grunts and groans. I have determined that this was actually part of his genius as his singing makes you listen to his guitar all the harder. BTW, there is a book of transcription for this CD - mostly dropped D. Enjoy.

DW