Jack Wilkins

(Review of Jeff Barone's CD, "Open Up"

In addition to featuring performance and production by jazz guitar ace
Jack Wilkins on a pair of tracks, the 2008 CD from NYC guitarist Jeff
Barone features him in the studio backed up by a number of fine
players. Featuring twelve instrumental tracks, Open Up is uptown jazz
at it's best. The CD matches technique and Barone's smokin' instro jazz
guitar improvisational skills. Growing up in the Upstate, N.Y. Syracuse
area, Barone grew up on a musical diet that featured Oscar Peterson and
Joe Pass. On Open Up, Barone masterfully combines original instrumental
compositions with covers of masters like Herbie Hancock, Denny Zeitlin,
Frank Loesser and Jacque Brel. www.JeffBarone.com