Ha, this is one of my passions......the pursuit of guitar perfection....
Kessel is very good....I enjoy his playing...interesting mention......for jazz my faves are
Kenny Burrell, Herb Ellis, Jim Hall, Joe Pass, Howard Alden.......(if you like Django check out this guy he did the playing in Sweet and Lowdown......sort of a tribute to Django...)
John Scofield, Pat Martino, Grant Green, Al Dimeola, George Barnes, Dave Stryker, Metheny....too many more....
I think Christopher Parkening is in the stratosphere, right along with John Williams for classical styling....both are superior players, IMO!!!