My audio enthusiast past led me down a Fraudioquest path, even to their short-lived record label, complete with ‘heavy vinyl audiophile pressings.’ Most was schlock, but it did lead me to blues vocalist/guitarist
Terry Evans. Before this, he was Bobby King’s vocal partner, and was in guitarist Ry Cooder’s band. Here’s 2 nice albums.
Allmusic: “Evans proves that he's one of the most underrated vocalists on the blues/roots scene. Growling, humming, and testifying through an album primarily comprised of originals, Evans is in terrific voice. Much of the material sounds like it could have been on a mid-'70s Cooder release, but the singer adds additional vocal bite to this rootsy material.”
This was his 2nd of ~11 albums as a leader, from 1994-2012. Ry Cooder and his band, with Jim Keltner on drums, provide the backing.
Terry Evans, Puttin’ It Down, full album:
YouTube link ; Spotify link
Terry’s 5th album, from 2001, is also nice.
Allmusic: “Recorded primarily live in the studio in only four days with his longtime backing musicians,
Mississippi Magic is a rollicking example of Evans' uncut, non-commercialized, gritty gospel and swamp vocals.”
Terry Evans, Mississippi Magic, full album
: YouTube link ; Spotify link