Allen Toussaint is an obvious choice for Prof Longhair influenced N'Awlins piano flavor, although he'd mostly be filed under "pop" or "funk". His 2 disc Warner Brothers "Hits" collection is IMHO a "must have", and his new record "The Bright Mississippi" is a terrific set of traditional N.O. jazz/blues tunes. It is among the very best sounding small group recordings I've ever heard.
Dr John is another widely admired player you might want to consider. A less well known disciple of the good Professor is James Booker whose "Lost Paramount Tapes" is an overlooked gem. If you're looking for contemporaries of (or predecessors to) "Fess", Earl "Fatha" Hines is a more straight jazz choice from New Orleans, while Jellyroll Morton was the self proclaimed ragtime master. "Cow Cow" Davenport is, again, less well known, but a great early barrelhouse player. There are a LOT of great choices out there, but these discs seem to find their way into my rotation most often.
Good Hunting.
Marty
Dr John is another widely admired player you might want to consider. A less well known disciple of the good Professor is James Booker whose "Lost Paramount Tapes" is an overlooked gem. If you're looking for contemporaries of (or predecessors to) "Fess", Earl "Fatha" Hines is a more straight jazz choice from New Orleans, while Jellyroll Morton was the self proclaimed ragtime master. "Cow Cow" Davenport is, again, less well known, but a great early barrelhouse player. There are a LOT of great choices out there, but these discs seem to find their way into my rotation most often.
Good Hunting.
Marty