Jack Wilkins

MAX JAZZ STRING SERIES 

Jack joins Russell Malone and Romero Lubambo as a featured guitarist in the label's " string series ". What a fine addition his playing is !
Here is Jack Wilkins at his best, playing tunes meaningful to him with a Five star sextet including Jon Cowherd , piano , Steve Laspina , bass , Mark Ferber , drums , Samuel  Torres , percussion .Jeff Barone plays rhythm guitar and produced the recording. He and Jack did the arrangements.
There are some surprises here . There are tunes I never heard Jack play mixed into a fine hour plus cd ."Lauro' s Waltz"is a witty arrangement of the Venezuelan master's piece for solo guitar . It is a swinging version that loses none of its intended drama or flash . Johnny Smith's "Walk,Don't Run " is nicely done and a fresh fix to an old favorite .
There are movie themes and "Arthur"s" theme is my favorite. Jack picked some real winners for this outing and paid them great tribute .
  The group is dynamic and showcases Wilkins , one of the great guitarists of our era and certainly, most versatile . Listen to the beautiful tone and evocative voicings Jack achieves on the beautiful arrangement of " Until it's Time for You to Go "(Buffy Sainte -Marie ) .He is playing it on a Dicarlo nylon string jazz model .
The recording quality leads to even more enjoyment of the cd , thanks to Hal Winter's efforts and his Bi-Costal Studio.
One thing for sure,Jack wilkin's talent and this group's great playing is not a surprise . I never get tired of listening to him and this cd may be the best so far .

Frank Forte , md

submitted to just Jazz Guitar 9-20-09