I profess no knowledge re. Professor Longhair...

Rhino came out with a "Best Of" 2 disc set about 7-8 years ago that's a must own for Fess fans. Look for it online, I'm sure it's still available. Happy listening!

"Crawfish Fiesta" is a great album, get it anyway even if you get a collection of the vintage stuff (which is also great). Few legendary artists of the 50's have gone on to make as fine a recording decades after their heyday (a relative term in the case of the Professor, who kind of remained a near-mythical cult figure outside NO until he made "CF" and garnered some wider recognition). It also gives you the chance to hear him in hi-fi sound, not that I don't enjoy the lowish-fi sound of his classic sides as well.

Rock & Roll Gumbo is my fav

I would recommend "Live On the Queen Mary".

I like his first four albums.
If you like these also have a listen to Doc.John.
Regards Rob.