New Christmas Album From Wayne Wilkinson

JGT contributor Joe Barth catches up with Colorado jazz guitarist Wayne Wilkinson and talks about his new Christmas album.

One of the swingiest guitarists in the Colorado Springs area is Wayne Wilkinson.  Wayne is known for his high-octane melodic playing, which jazz trombone legend Bill Watrous said “is the greatest guitar playing I’ve ever heard.”  Wayne has performed around the world both as an Air Force musician as well as a solo artist.  He has just released a new Christmas album.

JB:  Wayne, you haven’t been featured in JAZZ GUITAR TODAY. So, before I ask about the new Holly Tunes album, tell me about yourself. During your college years, what was musically most helpful in your personal development as a guitarist?

WW:  My “college” was performing in military bands for 20 plus years. Prior to joining the military, my first teacher was my father, and then a great jazz guitarist, Dow Daggett, who got me hooked on jazz guitar, and I never looked back. Personal development also involved hours of practice daily.  I had the wonderful opportunity to play in The Falconaires, the premier Air Force band at the Air Force Academy. From there, I was able to be part of the renowned Air Force band, the Airmen of Note based in Washington DC.

JB:  Wayne, to learn more about what shaped your musical values on the guitar, to you, what are three of the most influential guitar albums and why?

WW:  The first jazz album I purchased was White Rabbit by George Benson. I was learning about jazz guitar and absolutely loved Benson’s playing and the sound he was getting. It was a wonderful full circle moment when I had the opportunity to have Mr. Benson signed the record when my Trio was performing at the Broadmoor for the Earl Klugh Weekend of Jazz featuring George Benson.   

The second album is called The Guitar Album that featured three standout guitarists including Bucky Pizzarelli, George Barnes and Chuck Wayne. All three were mind blowing musicians. Pizzarelli and Barnes played these extremely musical duets. Wayne was a very melodic improviser. I have tried to incorporate these elements in my playing over the years. And, I had the special opportunity to perform with Bucky Pizzarelli.   

The third is Joe Pass Virtuoso. Pass was definitely a huge influence on me. I loved his chord melody solo guitar playing and the way he improvised speaks deeply to me. Virtuoso inspired my solo guitar recording It’s A Lark.

JB:  Tell me about your experiences with the great Johnny Smith.

 WW:  Johnny Smith was one of the greatest jazz guitar players, or should I say, jazz musicians in music history. It was a special honor to play at his birthday party back in 2009. After the show, he gave me one of the greatest compliments I ever received. He said, “You are one hell of a guitar player.” He lived just down the street from us, and I had the opportunity to have lunch with him on several occasions, and he always insisted on paying for my meal. One story he told was about playing at Birdland until the wee hours of the morning, going home to change, and arriving at Carnegie Hall a few hours later for a performance with the New York Philharmonic. Great man…great musician. I always appreciated that he put his family first when he made the move to Colorado Springs. We were fortunate to have him in our community.

JB:  On Holly Tunes, you do fresh arrangements of traditional holiday favorites. I can’t ask about all the songs that are on the album, but let me ask about one. Tell me about “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and what drew you to it?

WW:  I grew up watching The Grinch and always enjoyed the voice of the singer, Thurl Ravenscroft (who was also the voice of Tony the Tiger for decades) on “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch.” It is naturally a great tune to feature the upright bass, and the changes in the song are fun to play over. I always introduce the song as “Now we are going to play that heartwarming song that really represents the Christmas spirit.”

JB:  Bassist Andy Burtschi and drummer Scott Barbier play superbly. What do you appreciate most about these two musicians as your rhythm section?

WW:  With Scott, we’ve played together for decades, beginning in the Air Force Premier Band The Falconaires. In addition to the Trio, we perform regularly together in the rhythm section at First Presbyterian Church.   Andy has performed with the Trio since its inception 13 years ago. Both Scott and Andy are dear friends which complements our music. I appreciate the way they work together and understand the larger role each instrument has in a guitar trio setting.

JB:  Talk about your musical relationship with pianist and organist Thomas J. Dawson Jr, who also plays on the album.

WW:  I met Thomas while we were both mentors at the Colorado Springs Conservatory. This is the fourth recording he has produced, including: It’s A Lark, Yours, Yours, Yours, and Proceed To Route. He is also a dear friend, an excellent musician and recording engineer, and is the musical director of the Commodores. Thomas takes the recording to another level with the mixdown and addition of strings, piano, and organ.

JB:  You have many fine guitars, but what do you appreciate most about your Benedetto guitar?

WW:  I am fortunate to be a Benedetto Guitar artist and consider them the finest jazz guitars made. I have three Benedetto models, including the Bambino Deluxe (used on the recording), the BenBino (a rare one-off of the Benny and Bambino), and the Classic 16-B, all handmade jazz arch top guitars. Bob Benedetto,
founder of Benedetto Guitars, literally wrote the book on how to make a jazz guitar. I love the craftsmanship, the sound, the quality, the sustain, and the versatility between the three models. The guitar is balanced up and down the neck, and I’m able to dial- in the exact sound I want. The wood used is very stable, allowing the guitar to easily adjust to different climates and the neck stays super straight. The finishes are beautiful. The Bambino Deluxe is Carpathian Elm Burl. The BenBino is an opulent brown pecan, and the 16-B is a brown sunburst on the hand-carved spruce top.

JB:  Thank you for your years of military service.   Tell me about your favorite gig with The Airmen of Note.

WW:  Thank you. I feel very fortunate to have been able to play for a living with the military during the first part of my career. One of the most memorable Airmen of Note gigs was at the White House. The band leader brought an extra saxophone for the President Clinton to sit in. Well, he took us up on the offer, and yes, he did get all of the solos. The Airmen of Note is a continuation of the Glenn Miller Army Air Corps Band. Another favorite gig was playing with the Brecker Brothers (Randy and Michael). I was able to play with them in the concert and in a session the night before.

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