http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9T06UfP1S0
Above is a link to Bridge of Sighs by Robin Trower live version, he has to be 65 to 70+ years old. This song is a true link between playing blues, with a large does of rock tossed in at the same time. He does a lot of stuff slowly so you can watch and learn. Watch/listen to the way he uses his bends.
I posted this thinking you are kind of headed that way in the band you are working with now. This is back to being introduced to new ideas before you need to use then or ever thought of them.
Enjoy!!