Sounds like some really rich stuff to dig into there!
I play too. And I'm a terrible student. I like to play along to CDs, rather than pratice the pentatonic scales. So, that makes me basically sloppy, and I rarely play anything exactly the same way twice. That part of my playing is shabby and unprofessional, and frustrates me. I know I need to pratice "right", but I'm too lazy and disinterested in "book learning".
On a positive note, I like to think that my enjoyment of playing comes through for anyone listening, and I do have some favorite keys and tempos that I live in, (is that a rut? :D). I live in the bends, and like a warm sustain. I enjoy playing anything that has rythym, and a groove to it. I do try and stretch beyond my favorites, and am very happy on those rare occasions when I can pick up something new.
My #1 favorite guitarist is Robin Trower. Critics blasted him early on, because of how similar he sounded to Hendrix. Many dismissed him offhand because of this. But over the years, and more than 20 albums, he pushed that envelope, and refined the genre, explored more atmospheric moods and textures. He is an unheralded gem.
Others that I like and try to emulate are of course Hendrix, Clapton, BB King, Buddy Guy, SRV, Jimmy Page, especially early Zeppelin. And a little Joe Satriani, (no, I'm not good like that) a little Santana, and bit of Jack White, mostly the peppermint album. Most of these white guys are either stealing from, are influenced by, or are outright regurgitating Delta Blues, and Chicago Blues. So I guess I'm copying those who copy. But I like what they are copying!
But I never heard any Wes M or Lenny B, but will check them out.
Never heard any John Coltrane either, but I hear he's good too.
