Kerry Wilkins
Follow My Lead
(Moore & Moore Records – 2006)
by Raymond Redmond
Texan-born guitarist Kerry Wilkins’ new album “Follow My Lead” is a smooth, flowing journey from beginning to end. Although the groove here would indicate a brother with a lineage of good CDs, this is actually only his 2nd release. The twelve tracks are a mixture of Smooth and Contemporary Jazz, some recorded live, and ALL of the tracks are good.
My favorites? “M2 Tribute (Marcus Miller & Miles Davis)” captures the essence of Miller and Miles pretty well with a mix of groove and sanctitude. The cover of “Love Calls” is pretty suave with some sexy sax accents and smooth vocals. Same can be said about the cover of Luther Vandross’ “If Only For One Night”.
On the up tempo side, the CD actually starts out jumpin’ with the bluesy/jazzy “Down South”. Other jammers include “The Vibe” and “Changing Lanes”, which gives Wilkins a chance to show his speed and rhythm. For what it’s worth, there are really NO bad songs on this CD just a groove journey.
Part of what makes the music so good is Kerry Wilkins groovin style, part is the strength of his band… Larry Davis on keyboard and organ, pianist Bobby Lyle, drummer Mark Simmons, Bernard Wright on keyboards, a (very special) guest spot from saxophonist Kyle Turner, bassist Barry Jackson, and D-MAC (aka Derrick McCampbell) on vocals.
For more on Kerry Wilkins visit the web site.