Another great blues album is Paul Butterworth/Mike Bloomfield and East-West. Their rendition of Walkin Blues has never been equalled IMO.

Lightning Hopkins is in a league of his own. He's about the only Delta Blues artist I can listen to for more than one song. It's not that the others are bad, it's just I'm not a slow blues fan most of the time and he has a way of drawing you in.

If I want female vocals I go with my favorite and Maddy Prior in the group Steeleye Span. Now there is a voice.

For background I like either Gerry Rafferty or Herbie Mann. His Memphis Underground is a classic album.