Jack Wilkins

From his infrequent dates as a leader, it becomes evident that Jack Wilkins stands among the finest improvisers, even if his abilities have not always received their due recognition. Having trained under John Mehegan at the outset, Wilkins acquired proficiency on vibes, piano, and classical guitar yet devoted his professional path exclusively to jazz guitar. A solid reputation took hold during his extended tenure alongside Buddy Rich. In subsequent years he contributed as a sideman to sessions led by Jack DeJohnette, Eddie Gomez, Phil Woods, Harvie Swartz, and the Brecker Brothers, among additional artists. What ultimately reveals the depth of his talent, however, are his own releases on Mainstream, Music Masters, and CTI—most notably the pair of essential Chiaroscuro albums from 1977, whose contents (save for one track) were later compiled on the single CD Merge.