Wayne Wilkinson is a headliner guitarist that performs and tours across the country and internationally. Throughout his over four decade career, Wayne has shared the stage with iconic jazz musicians, world class performers and a President of the United States.
Wilkinson, an artist with Benedetto guitars and GHS Strings, is known for his high-octane melodic playing which jazz trombone legend Bill Watrous said “is the greatest guitar playing I’ve ever heard.”
Wilkinson’s group, The Wayne Wilkinson Trio, performs a mix of straight ahead and traditional jazz standards American songbook fan favorites innovative jazz arrangements of chart toppers and inspired original compositions.
Wayne also works with other trios, quartets and small groups and performs as a featured/guest artist with various musicians.
In addition to concerts festivals, jazz clubs recital series jazz and swing societies and private venue events, recent performances have included the London, Tel Aviv, and Vail Jazz Festivals a United Kingdom Tour, and Hawaii Tour.
As a faculty member at the nationally accredited Colorado Springs Conservatory, Wilkinson helped establish the Jazz program. He also just completed ten years as an adjunct professor for Jazz Guitar at Colorado State University - Pueblo. Wayne conducts master classes and clinics at universities and conservatories across the country.
Wilkinson has played at the White House, Carnegie Hall and at major jazz and music festivals with the premier Air Force Jazz Ensembles "The Airmen of Note" in Washington, D.C. and the "Falconaires" in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Quotes about Wayne Wilkinson:
"In my life I don't think I've ever heard a more magnificent guitar player than Wayne." Bill Watrous, world-renowned jazz trombonist.
"One hell of a guitar player." Johnny Smith, legendary jazz guitarist.
“Considered by many musicians to be one of the best, most underrated jazz guitarists in the country, if not the world, Wilkinson turns any song, no matter the style, into his own personal signature.” Carol Banks Weber, Jazz Music Examiner.
“Wayne is a jazz guitar virtuoso.” Dick Fairley, Jazz Excursion host.
Some of the musicians Wilkinson has played with include: Bill Watrous, Bucky Pizzarelli, Johnny Smith, Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Wycliffe Gordon, Terell Stafford, Nicki Parrot, Houston Person, Ken Peplowski, Nelson Rangell, Harry Allen, Henry Mancini, Lenore Raphael, James Moody, Stanley Turrentine, Joe Williams, Ernie Watts, Chuck Redd, Ed Polcer, Allan Vache, Bria Skonberg, and Adrian Cunningham. Other people he’s played with in his career are President Clinton, Jack Jones, Dianne Schuur, Bob Hope, Roger Williams, and Louis Belson. He is a repeat guest performer with Earl Klugh's Weekend of Jazz.
Wilkinson’s latest CD, “Proceed To Route,” is his eighth independent label recording and the first as the Wayne Wilkinson Trio.
Wayne is a Benedetto Guitar Artist and plays the Benedetto Bravo Elite, Benedetto Bambino and Benedetto Ben-Bino Jazz Guitars. He is also a GHS Strings artist and an endorser for Jim Dunlop USA Jazz picks. Wayne uses Henriksen amplifiers.
