Larry is so right about this. Jazz histories that give short shrift to pre-Armstrong styles, as though real jazz never existed before his maturity, are so very wrong. The early period of the art form is grand to hear and yielded some of the most beautiful music of the 20th century. (Which includes some of the bluest.)
In some ways, "Texas Moaner" (see posts #24 and #26) is the "bluest" jazz recording I know. Also, in case anyone thinks that jazz in 1924 still was in some primitive state of being, I'd say that it doesn't get much more sophisticated, in any meaningful sense, than this.
Herman Chittison Trio
Johnny Moore's 3 Blazers
Has anyone mentioned the Art Tatum Trio yet?