THE RUNDLE SESSIONS
The Rundle Sessions is a project which was a part of my creative endeavors as the Fulbright Research Chair in the School of Creative and Performing Arts at the University of Calgary in 2017-18. This was a very fruitful period which included concerts of my original music in Calgary and Banff, collaborations with American and Canadian scholars and artists,and the creation of numerous compositions and multi-disciplinary arts projects.
All of the music for The Rundle Sessions was written at my studio at the University of Calgary or as part of my music residency at The Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity to feature a special group of musicians - Alberta Jazz Masters Chris Andrew and Codi Hutcherson, along with American artists Sara Caswell, Corey Christianson and Micheal W. Davis. This group was together in Calgary and Banff for a week in November for concerts and the recording session.
SAXOPHONE LEGACY
Saxophone Legacy is a new ensemble formed in 2019. It is a collaborative project, with compositional contributions coming from saxophonists Jack Wilkins, Jeremy Brown and pianist Per Danielsson. The concept for this collaborative project was created by Professors Wilkins and Brown (University of Calgary) during Professor Wilkins' 2017 Fulbright appointment to the University of Calgary as Research Chair in Interdisciplinary/Multidisciplinary Performance.
This series of original compositions celebrates the legacy of the saxophone. These new works are composed and arranged especially for this group. The majority of the compositions on this recording are based on improvised solos from landmark recordings by American Jazz saxophonists John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Hank Mobley and Coleman Hawkins, along with Swedish saxophonists Arne Domnerus and Lars Guilin, all masters of the saxophone whose innovations as improvisers and saxophonists provided important contributions to Jazz music.
This recording also features the contributions of bassist Kodi Hutchinson and drummer Tyler Hornby, two of Canada’s finest jazz musicians. The recording took place at OCL Studios in Calgary in 2019.
THE BANFF PROJECT
A series of original musical compositions and accompanying films that draw their creative inspiration from the culture, history and scenery of the Banff area of the Canadian Rockies. Recorded in Canada at Grant MacEwan University with Edmonton’s finest musicians, this DVD/CD is visual/musical experience featuring Jack’s creative compositions and saxophone playing along with special guests: American recording artists Sara Caswell - violin, and Corey Christiansen - guitar, plus well-known Canadian artists - Laila Biali - piano, Ray Baril - woodwinds and Daniel Gervais - violin. Highly creative original films were created by film maker Edwin Dennis and visual artists from the Banff Centre to accompany the original compositions which explore interesting grooves with intriguing improvisations by Jack and the special guests. An eclectic mix of influences and sounds, ranging from Jazz to modern groove-based music to Scottish/Irish music, this music is a treat for creative music fans.
THE BLUE & GREEN PROJECT
This project was something I had been thinking about for a long time. It involved researching Appalachian Mountain culture and environment for a series of new compositions. The compositions combing the musical inspiration of American roots music; Blues, Gospel, Jazz, Mountain music, New Orleans traditions (the "blue" element), with the subjective inspiration of the Appalachian Mountains; the people, artists, craftsmen, traditions and environment (the "green" element). Each work has a story to tell, and an inspirational concept on which it is based.
SWEDISH BAND PROJECT
Artwork - Two of a Kind
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This album brings together into a studio the sextet consisting of three American based and three Swedish musicians. The names of the local Swedish players will probably be very well-known to most Scandinavian jazz enthusiasts, Jan Allen, Hans Backenroth, and Johan Löfcrantz Ramsey. The other three will be better known to Americans and in particular the residents of the State of Florida. Tamara "Tami" Danielsson, myself, and the common denominator, Per Danielsson.
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Dear Old Stockholm
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It has been a special part of my life experience to visit Sweden, enjoy the people and culture, and meet to many wonderful friends. Those experiences inspired a musical portrait.
RIDGELINES
Recorded in 2001, Ridgelines features Jack Wilkins with some all-star sidemen performing original compositions and arrangements by Wilkins and Chuck Owen. Drummer Danny Gottlieb, guitarist Barry Greene and trumpeter Scott Wendholt are featured.
The music ranges from Wilkins’ angular Walt in the Trap to a lovely arrangement by Chuck Owen of the classic ballad This Love of Mine.
ARTWORK
Jack Wilkins' first CD, recorded in 1995, is a combination of 3 recording sessions: two in North Carolina featuring guitarist Scott Sawyer, drummer David Via and bassist Carroll Daschiel and another session in Tampa with special guests - drummer Adam Nussbaum and conguero Gumbi Ortiz. The title track is a shuffle by Wilkins dedicated to Art Blakey.