Gene Bertoncini/Jack Wilkins – Just the Two of Us with
Gene Bertoncini and Jack Wilkins share the spotlight on eight guitar duets in a program of eight dazzling standards, played on stage during a 1998 jazz cruise. The former’s cool style meshes beautifully with the more aggressive hard bop approach of the latter, starting with their imaginative rendition of “Lover Man.” The intense interplay of “Gone with the Wind” and the lyricism of “Here’s That Rainy Day” are also among the many highlights of their performances together. There’s only one solo feature, Wilkins’ bittersweet and carefully crafted take of Rodgers & Hart’s “Spring is Here.” This highly recommended duo should be considered an essential acquisition for fans of jazz guitar (Ken Dryden/AllMusic).
Gene Bertoncini, Jack Wilkins – guitar
