jazz/blues piano players


I have recently been enjoying jazz/blues piano players and am looking for some new tunes. I have been listening to Chuck Level, Charles Brown, and Prof. Longhair. I enjoyed watching Joe Sample last night on "Live From Abbey Road" but don't have any of his music. I prefer artists who can really tickle the ivories vs. electronic "smooth jazz." Any suggestions?
maxnewid
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
To name a few:

Thelonius Monk
Horace Silver
Herbie Hancock
Bud Powell
Bill Evans
Gonzalo Rubalcaba
Cedar Walton
Dave Brubeck
What about the ever so funny Fats Wallers, the highly sophisticated Lenny Tristano or Art Tatum and last not least one of the greatest whose music could swing like no other:
Oscar Peterson?
Red Garland.

Jazz with strongly bloozy roots, I's say. Very nice work on on the Miles 5 "In" sessions, and also as a leader (see esp. "Groovy"). Perhaps unwisely, I prefer him to Peterson. Probably not in the same category as Evans -- who is? -- but Evans a very different player, who seems to me father from what you are looking for.

john