Ry Cooder recommendation...

I have most of his records and am a big fan.  The most unusual soundtrack he participated in would have to be 'Crossroads' where he 'duels' with a young Steve Vai!  A good record that should've been great IMO is by the band Little Village, an unknown 'supergroup' consisting of Cooder, Johm Hiatt, Nick Lowe, and Jim Keltner.  Cooder's great, but you're a hop, skip, and a jump from listening to his frequent bandmate (from the old days); David Lindley!  Once you listen to him and his band Rayo-X, you'll be digging for all of their output!!!;)  One of the best things (for anybody on Audiogon) about Cooder's work is that it's all recorded impeccably.

+! Chazro. Other than 'Bop,' what other albums do both Cooder and Lindley play on together? (Love Lindley). 

+1 for Chicken Skin Music, Paradise and Lunch, and Into the Purple Valley....classic wonderful Ry Cooder.
I am also enjoying My Name is Buddy and I Flathead

+1 for Chicken Skin Music. Paradise and Lunch is better!!!!!!!

Jazz, Bop until you Drop are both good. Buena Vista Social Club is Fantastic.

I love Jazz (and Paradise and Lunch, which I meant to mention) but Jazz has only three vocal tunes (all excellent) which makes it less accessible for some folks.