Many great players already mentioned, and "Johnny" McLaughlin is my all-time favorite - so much good music out of that guy it's insane. I remember seeing Shakti live in Central Park in '76 (I think) - I was blown away. Saw him at least a couple dozen times since then in many different contexts, and all have been great. The guy is a monster player.

Runners-up for me include Scott Henderson (blues, rock, fusion maniac - unbelievable chops), Eric Johnson (the "Texas Tornado"), and many others.