Jack Wilkins

(Here's a article written by dear friend Brian Kelly about Wilbert and me for our upcoming gig at the "Blue Wisp" in Cinncinatti on October 6th.The photo is with Lawrence Armstead, Wilbert, Tom Carroll and me.)

Jack Wilkins and Wilbert Longmire, Two Boss Guitars and Two Great Friends unite at the Blue Wisp on Thursday October 6th in what I think will be one of the best jazz guitars shows in years. First, Wilbert Longmire the well known local jazz guitar legend who has, along with several other area legends like Jimmy Raney, Cal Collins and Wes Montgomery, done much to bring international attention to the jazz guitar music scene in the Tri-State area. In the course of his career Mr. Longmire has released several memorable recordings most of which are now expensive collectors items but include Sunny Side Up, Revolution and my favorite This Side Of Heaven. Mr. Longmire is currently appearing with Melvin Rhyne in a Wes Montgomery tribute. Mr. Rhyne was the organist in Wes Montgomery’s original trio and performs on Wes’s earliest recordings. Wes’s shoes are some big shoes to fill but Mr. Longmire who has long since established himself as a soloist with his own voice is the perfect choice. Like his friendship with Jack Wilkins he and Wes were also close friends.
Jack Wilkins the New York based guitarist is known the world over by his virtuoso technical command of the instrument and his passionate interpretations of many of today’s best jazz classics he is also equally adept at performing very personal interpretations of some of the more beautiful melodies in the standard jazz repertoire. Mr. Wilkins has many recordings out under his own name including the legendary “Windows” recording which is no longer in print but is widely considered one of the most important jazz guitars recordings ever. Mr. Wilkins has also performed and recorded with everyone from Buddy Rich, Charles Mingus and The Manhattan Transfer to performing all over the world with modern classical composer Gunther Schuller.
On this show the two of them will join in an evening of up close and personal performances of what makes each of them such great artists both individually and for the first time what makes them special when they are together. The show will feature each of them in solo performances, in performance with only two guitars and later to be joined by bass and drums. Each set will also feature one vocal number by Wilbert Longmire whose vocal skill is as musical and moving as his guitar playing. There very likely will be other surprises during the course of the evening as these Two Boss Guitar Players and Two Great Friends show what has made each of them among the most recognizable artist anywhere.