Wayne Wilkenson
Wayne Wilkinson is a guitarist originally from San Antonio, Texas who
now lives in the Colorado Springs area and is a former member of the
premier Air Force jazz ensemble “The Airmen of Note” based in
Washington, D.C. Prior to joining "The Airmen of Note” in 1991 he played
in The Air Force Academy Band’s "The Falconaires" jazz ensemble from
1983 to 1991. During that time in 1989, he was a semi finalist in the
national Cognac Hennessy Jazz Search competition
Venues he has
performed at while in the “The Airmen of Note” & "The Falconaires"
include Carnegie Hall, The White House and The Detroit Jazz Festival.
Also, while in the band, he played with Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker,
Joe Williams, Ernie Watts, James Moody, Henry Mancini and Stanley
Turrentine.
Other people he’s played with in his career are Jack
Jones, Dianne Shure, Bob Hope, Roger Williams, Louis Belson and The Four
Freshman.
He was also a member of "Zach Smith & The Dixie Power Trio" from 1999 to
2008. This nationally known group travels the country and plays music of
Louisiana. The Dixie Power Trio can be heard on XM Radio, NPR and other
stations.
Wayne’s latest CD, “Full Circle”, is a guitar trio
recording with special guest. The CD was reviewed in the national magazine
“Just Jazz Guitar” Nov ’09 issue. The CD also has received radio airplay on
NPR’s “G Strings” in Washington DC and Nick Carver’s “No Idle Frets”.
Personnel on the recording are some of Washington DC’s finest and all world
class musicians including Chuck Redd, drums, (former drummer w/Charlie Byrd
Trio), Michael Bowie, bass (former bassist w/Manhattan Transfer & jazz
vocalist, Betty Carter), Bruce Swaim, tenor sax (former tenor sax w/Danny
Gatin), Scott Giambusso, bass, Byron McWilliams, drums, Zack Smith, trumpet,
and Andy Kochenour, bass.