Memorial service for Jack Wilkins............

**DMgolf66** · 08-15-2023, 02:00 PM

I just wanted to let the group know that there will be a Memorial Service for the great Jack Wilkins on the following date:

September 6th at Saint Peter's Church 619 Lexington Avenue.
Doors open at 6PM.
Remembrance is from 6:30 to 8:30 followed by a reception until 9:30
All are welcome to attend

Jack was a special friend of mine and I'm honored to have been asked to speak at the service. I think this will be a wonderful tribute to Jack and one that he would be touched by.

If any of you would like to attend, you are encouraged and more than welcome. If you are able to make it, please say hello as I'd
love to meet and chat.

Thanks, folks........

**sgosnell** · 08-19-2023, 07:34 PM

I don't suppose there's any chance this will be streamed...

**DMgolf66** · 08-21-2023, 08:41 AM

Originally Posted by sgosnell

I don't suppose there's any chance this will be streamed...

I can't confirm that it will be streamed, but I know there will be a videographer there. As soon as I find out, I will let you all know.

**lawson-stone** · 08-21-2023, 08:51 AM

That would be wonderful to be able to witness the service, even after the fact. I also would love to hear your remarks. I was at a weekend jazz guitar workshop with Jack Wilkins and Gene Bertoncini many years ago. I absorbed a ton of helpful insight from the very short exposure to these master.

**sgosnell** · 08-21-2023, 10:09 AM

Just getting it on YouTube or another site would be enough. Live streaming is much more difficult and resource intensive. Having a video available later would be wonderful.

**DMgolf66** · 08-21-2023, 04:03 PM

If this helps draw a few more folks to attend, let me announce that I WON'T be playing!

**TAA** · 08-21-2023, 04:35 PM

What City?

**DMgolf66** · 08-21-2023, 05:50 PM

Originally Posted by TAA

What City?

New York city

**TAA** · 08-21-2023, 05:58 PM

Thanks!

I live near St. Paul, MM and it has a Lexington Ave., as probably many cities do, but just wanted to know for sure.

Tom

**sgosnell** · 08-22-2023, 09:52 AM

Is there a St Peter's church at 619 Lexington in St Paul?

**TAA** · 08-23-2023, 11:01 AM

Thought I answered this yesterday but I probably messed it up.

I checked the map. Nothing located there on Lexington Parkway North. Only a house is shown @ Lexington Parkway South.

So, no churches.

Tom

**sgosnell** · 08-23-2023, 12:10 PM

So, the service will not be in St Paul.

**Boss Man Zwiebelsohn** · 08-23-2023, 03:49 PM

Saint Peter's Church

IIRC the memorial service for Barry Harris in the same church was streamed as well, so there is a good chance for a stream and later a video on their YouTube channel.

**DMgolf66** · 08-31-2023, 03:56 PM

Just an update:

This will not be livestreamed, but will posted on YouTube at a later date. I will make sure to post the link when it's time.

joelf · 09-04-2023, 10:35 AM

I won't be able to make the memorial, but would like to write a few words about this great player and guy (I knew him a bit):

I was aware of Jack years before I heard him. As far back as the '60s he was part of a Brooklyn guitar 'mafia' that included the late Dom Minasi and my early '70s teacher Carl Barry (his name as performer is on the program, and they were lifelong friends).

They were all up-and-comers, hungry to play and learn and were already gigging (and at times subbing for each other). They also made every effort to jam with Chuck Wayne at Lou Sosa's coat factory late-night sessions. I'm sure some of you heard about those.

So Jack was out there early, and had the musicality, chops, repertoire, reading skills and confidence that allowed him to deal easily with the many high-profile gigging situations he shortly found himself in: Buddy Rich, many top singers and instrumentalists----the list would go on longer than there's space here for. His reputation started early and only grew.

When I first heard Jack play many years ago I wrongly pegged him as just a 'chopsmeister'. But eventually I got it: the depth, his utter professionalism and ability to bend and blend to any situation became evident. This was especially driven home at a Jazz Foundation Great Night in Harlem event when he, called on at the last minute, expertly accompanied Cassandra Wilson in duet. They both were marvelous that night.

There's been enough written and spoken about Jack's accomplishment as a solo player, so I'll merely add that I'm a fan.

I took one lesson with him in '04, and saw the kind of man he was: a no BS gentleman and person of great sensitivity.

I want to conclude by acknowledging the love and devotion given to Jack toward the end by my old, dear friend the very fine guitarist Jim Silberstein. They were quite close, and Jim looked after Jack in every way, including almost daily visits to the hospital. There were others helping out as well whose names I'm sorry I don't recall, but it only shows the love for this rare artist and man.

RIP Jack Wilkins...

joelf · 09-04-2023, 02:43 PM

Originally Posted by Bop Head

Saint Peter's Church

IIRC the memorial service for Barry Harris in the same church was streamed as well, so there is a good chance for a stream and later a video on their YouTube channel.

St. Peter's is on Lexington Ave. between E. 53 and 54, NYC.

Entrance is on E. 54th st...

joelf · 09-05-2023, 10:19 PM

From all accounts, including what I'm reading on FB, this is shaping up to be quite a memorable tribute with great music and testimony.

It's wonderful that the proceedings will be eventually viewable for those of us who loved Jack but can't make it tomorrow.

But I bet y'all he'll be smiling somewhere tomorrow...

**DMgolf66** · 09-06-2023, 08:27 AM

Originally Posted by joelf

I won't be able to make the memorial, but would like to write a few words about this great player and guy (I knew him a bit):

I was aware of Jack years before I heard him. As far back as the '60s he was part of a Brooklyn guitar 'mafia' that included the late Dom Minasi and my early '70s teacher Carl Barry (his name as performer is on the program, and they were lifelong friends).

They were all up-and-comers, hungry to play and learn and were already gigging (and at times subbing for each other). They also made every effort to jam with Chuck Wayne at Lou Sosa's coat factory late-night sessions. I'm sure some of you heard about those.

So Jack was out there early, and had the musicality, chops, repertoire, reading skills and confidence that allowed him to deal easily with the many high-profile gigging situations he shortly found himself in: Buddy Rich, many top singers and instrumentalists----the list would go on longer than there's space here for. His reputation started early and only grew.

When I first heard Jack play many years ago I wrongly pegged him as just a 'chopsmeister'. But eventually I got it: the depth, his utter professionalism and ability to bend and blend to any situation became evident. This was especially driven home at a Jazz Foundation Great Night in Harlem event when he, called on at the last minute, expertly accompanied Cassandra Wilson in duet. They both were marvelous that night.

There's been enough written and spoken about Jack's accomplishment as a solo player, so I'll merely add that I'm a fan.

I took one lesson with him in '04, and saw the kind of man he was: a no BS gentleman and person of great sensitivity.

I want to conclude by acknowledging the love and devotion given to Jack toward the end by my old, dear friend the very fine guitarist Jim Silberstein. They were quite close, and Jim looked after Jack in every way, including almost daily visits to the hospital. There were others helping out as well whose names I'm sorry I don't recall, but it only shows the love for this rare artist and man.

RIP Jack Wilkins...

Thank you for posting this, Joel. That was lovely. I'm sorry you won't be able to make it, I'll miss meeting you.

The group of names you were referring to are Gayle Tapper, Jeff Barone, Peter Rubie, Rich Boukas, Micaela Silberstein (Jim's daughter) and myself. Just a wonderful group of people. We all loved him very much and did whatever we could for him.

Again, I'd just like to remind everyone that all are welcome tonight. If you can make it, please say hello. I'll be speaking last at the service, my name is Darren.

**DMgolf66** · 09-06-2023, 11:27 PM

What a night.
It gets overused as a descriptor, but it was "special".
On top of the list of wonderful players who performed, Russell Malone came and performed. Gene Bertocini was also in attendance and was all smiles.

I'm sorry I didn't get to meet anyone from the group, but those who were there were so warm and appreciative. So many touching and funny stories.

**Boss Man Zwiebelsohn** · 09-07-2023, 11:34 AM

The stream is up on YT

Coincidentally I just found this:

**DMgolf66** · 09-07-2023, 11:39 AM

Originally Posted by Bop Head

The stream is up on YT

Coincidentally I just found this:

Thanks so much for posting!
I kept checking this morning, but didn't see it.
So glad they were able to do that.

joelf · 09-07-2023, 01:32 PM

Originally Posted by DMgolf66

The group of names you were referring to are Gayle Tapper, Jeff Barone, Peter Rubie, Rich Boukas, Micaela Silberstein (Jim's daughter) and myself. Just a wonderful group of people. We all loved him very much and did whatever we could for him.

I sort of knew that you did that, and it was wonderful of you, and all the rest.

Never met Micaela, though Jim and I have been good friends and playing buddies since I heard him play at the Lion's Rock in NYC in 1975.

I'd have loved to have been there last night. Been struggling with my own health issues. But straight ahead.

Thanks again for all you've done...

joelf · 09-07-2023, 01:48 PM

Originally Posted by DMgolf66

What a night.
Gene Bertocini was also in attendance and was all smiles.

So glad to hear that Gene made and enjoyed it.

He's one of the greatest men walking the earth...

**mr. beaumont** · 09-07-2023, 02:06 PM

What a great celebration of his life. Jack was without a doubt one of the greats.

**QAman** · 09-07-2023, 08:47 PM

DMgolf66
A beautiful celebration of Jack ! Thanks for sharing the video it was very touching- and reminded me of how precious life really is. Your good friend Jack would be proud of your efforts to celebrate him.

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