Cecil Alexander vaulted quickly to the top of the heap for new jazz guitarists – unsurprising for a player who counts Frank Zappa and Meshuggah as influences alongside George Benson and John Coltrane. Since his emergence he’s released an acclaimed debut (2022’s Introducing), been a finalist in major competitions, and taken a teaching position at Berklee, his alma mater. He’s also released Duos, a lovely record of originals and covers with his wife, singer-songwriter Ari Alexander, with whom he also formed the band Visen. For their hotly tipped forthcoming album Kaleidoscope, they’ve expanded the lineup into a quartet. – Michael Toland