Search - Jack Wilkins :: Trioart

The softer side of one of the all time great guitarists.

01/01/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although not as well known to the average public as some other modern jazz guitarists Wilkins is the guitar player that most of the current crop of jazz guitarsts today looked to for their inspiration and ideas when they were coming up. He is a true musician's musician.His technical skill is legendary but more important is his expressive ability which can at times rival the most sensitive players you can think of (musicians such as Bill Evans and Miles Davis to name a few). When you combine that with his explosive chops and a sense of passion that no other jazz guitarist I know of can touch you have the makings of one of the most important jazz guitarists of all time. Trio Art is defintely to the softer more traditional side of Jack's playing but I think it is one of his best recordings. His take on "Prelude To A Kiss" is, in my opinion, the definitive performace of this song. It is hard to think that this song will ever be played any better than this --- by anyone.I also particularly like his composition entitled "For Baden". It's seemingly simple melody and the lightly swinging pace overshadow the perfect sense of balance that make this composition so perfect and so complete.His performance of the tune "Emily" goes to right to the heart of Wilkins expressive talents as he makes this tune sound almost "quaint". It also shows another of Wilkins unusual talents for a jazz guitarist and that is that Jack plays almost as well in fingerstyle as he does with a pick! From there this record just keeps going. There is not a dull moment on the entire recording. If you've never heard it you are in for a real treat. "It's All Good!" Nothing but great music and great guitar playing by one of the all time great guitarists."

A work of art

Jazzcat | Genoa, Italy Italy | 04/02/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Spectacular album from Jack Wilkins. One of the best contemporary jazz guitar album. His style is quite conservative but he plays with great feeling, technical ability, intensity. The intimacy here is complete. If you love jazz guitar and jazz in general you SHOULD own this album!
It's not easy for someone like me who owns 3000 jazz cd's to love an album published today, because often they are uncomparable to the best albums from the fifties or the sixties. But this one made it. I love it. This album shines, it really is a work of art."