New Jersey native Al Di Meola is a jazz fusion guitarist who is renowned for his Latin-influenced style and technical prowess. With the release of his debut solo album Land of the Midnight Sun, in 1976, he established his virtuosic mastery of the guitar through his quick-fired solos and complex compositions. As he continued to pull inspiration from a number of sources, from Mediterranean music to flamenco, he crafted albums such as 1977's Elegant Gypsy to 1980's Splendido Hotel, which went on to influence both jazz and rock musicians alike. In addition to his solo material, Di Meola continues to push the boundaries of music as the leader of his acoustic group World Synfonia, and through his various collaborations with artists including bassist Stanley Clarke, guitarist John McLaughlin and violinist Jean-Luc Ponty.

Peter Cat Recording Co., an Indian alternative rock band from Delhi, was founded in 2009 by Suryakant Sawhney after a transformative experience in San Francisco. The band’s current lineup includes Sawhney on vocals and guitar, Karan Singh on drums, Dhruv Bhola on bass and samples, Rohit Gupta on keys and trumpet, and Kartik Sundareshan Pillai on keyboards, guitar, electronics, and trumpet. Their debut album, Sinema, was released in 2011 and showcased a unique blend of jazz, cabaret, and pop. Over the years, they released several critically acclaimed albums, including Climax (2015), Bismillah (2019), and BETA बेटा (2024). Known for their distinctive sound and cinematic music videos, PCRC has garnered a strong following in India and internationally. Their work often blends artistic and experimental approaches, with themes spanning personal growth and reflections on society.

Kamasi Washington is a Los Angeles-based jazz saxophonist, composer and band leader. Studying ethnomusicology at the University of California Los Angeles, Washington began playing with notable faculty members including Kenny Burrell, Billy Higgins and Gerald Wilson. Releasing his debut solo album, The Proclamation, in 2007, Washington has primarily distinguished himself with his strong tenor saxophone playing, modeled in the vein of greats like John Coltrane and Ornette Coleman.