Joel Harrison is an American jazz guitarist, composer, and bandleader known for his genre-blending approach that fuses jazz, rock, classical, and world music influences. Born in Washington, D.C., Harrison has released numerous albums as a leader, showcasing his adventurous compositions and virtuosic guitar work. His music often explores unconventional harmonies and textures, drawing inspiration from sources as diverse as Americana, Indian classical music, and modern jazz. In addition to his work as a performer, he is also a noted educator and author, contributing to the development of contemporary jazz guitar techniques.

Throughout his career, Harrison has collaborated with an impressive array of musicians across different genres, including jazz greats such as Dave Liebman, Gary Versace, Nels Cline, and Brian Blade. He has also worked with avant-garde artists like Cuong Vu and Chris Tordini, further pushing the boundaries of jazz improvisation. His work as a composer and arranger has been widely recognized, and he continues to be a vital figure in contemporary jazz, blending tradition with innovation in every project he undertakes.