Second this…Saw them live twice, great stuff. Check out the CD Live At Pachyderm Studio, 1998.
Ok, here is my plug for Gary Clark Jr. (live from the Crossroads Guitar Festival).
SRV is technically better (not just as good, but better) than any other blues guitar player. Just amazing.
However, I don’t think as much emotion comes through on his material as most of the greats. Listen to Muddy Waters and you are less amazed, but far more moved.
My top pick is the album “Blue Drops of Rain” by Corey Stevens. It’s an unabashed tribute to and emulation of Stevie. Corey’s other albums are more of a mixed bag, but some are worth checking out, like “Getaway” and “Bring on the Blues”.
Other bluesmen that you’ll probably like if you like SRV:
Albert Castiglia
Albert Cummings
Coco Montoya (his stuff is also very much a mixed bag, some great, some boring)
The Gales Brothers (only produced one album that I know of, but it’s more SRV-like than their solo stuff)
Gary Moore (his recent blues stuff, not his older rock)
Indigenous (their early few, “Things We Do”, “Circle” and “Live at Pachyderm Studio” are great, then they broke up, the lead singer/guitarist went on with the name but apparently lost his song writing mojo)
Jimmy Thackery (not all that close to SRV, but I’m pretty sure if you like Stevie you’ll like Jimmy)
Kenny Wayne Shepherd, as has been mentioned, is a definite, especially his earlier stuff.
Michael Burks
Smokin’ Joe Kubek Band (again, not an SRV-wanna be, but great in his own right)
Steve Pierson
Steve Pryor
Tony Sarno
Vince Converse
Last but not least, believe it or not Steve Miller recently came out with a couple of very fine blues albums, “Let Your Hair Down” and “Bingo” that are well worth checking out.
I saw him live at the Bedford Blues Fest a couple of years ago. He did his act wearing a kilt. I would definitely agree that speed is his ‘thang’. He is extremely talented and very high-energy.
P.S. - For those of you in the DFW area, Buddy Guy is supposed to be at Blues Fest again this year.