Here are some lesser-known blues players that are still very, very good (and show a newer direction for the blues):
Derek Trucks/SusanTedeschi/Warren Haynes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2burpTQSDMA (Susan is a blues artist/guitar player in her own right, while Derek and Warren play guitar for the Allman Brothers and their own bands--Derek and Susan are married)
Derek Trucks:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GN5cvrDtv3M
Carolyn Wonderland:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XT4Lr_oVGQY (I've seen her live in a SMALL club in Houston, and she's awesome!)
Warren Haynes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=744WsO9iw5E (the dude can play anything he wants---really)
Susan Tedeschi:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gCBHO9JvWE
Though not often thought of as a blues band, that little band from Texas (ZZ Top) is STEEPED in the blues:
Blue Jean Blues:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AupxHarqNk (slow burn at its best)
Jesus Just Left Chicago:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN69GC2amTg