About eight years ago I picked dup a disc by a still then, little known contemporary blues artist, Kevin Moore - Keb Mo' , Just Like You. I had it on as I was dragging out the Christmas decor earlier today (yeah shoot me, please but if I don't do it now, it won't happen until 2005). Each and every time I listen I'm blown away by the simplicity of honest to good music.
And if you need a lesson on in-the-pocket bass lines, James Hutchinson is your man. Very tasteful chops, especially on More Than One Way Home.
Keb is great, I try to catch his show when he comes around. He's a great entertainer as well as a player.
Another guy you may want to check out with a similar feel is Eric Bibb. He has sometime Eric Clapton bass player Dave Bronze playing with him at times.
I have a few of his records and seen him live on many occasions.
www.ericbibb.com (http://www.ericbibb.com)
Jazzyvee