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| Kerry Wilkins: 'Follow My Lead' Texan-born guitarist Kerry Wilkins is set to wow the world further with the upcoming release of his new album "Follow My Lead", available November 2006 on Moore & Moore Records.A lifelong lover of jazz, as well as some of the finest cross-genre guitarists such as Hendrix and Santana, Wilkins is one of the most gifted jazz guitar players of his generation. Furthermore, Wilkins has also excelled as songwriter and producer, taking the helm in all three disciplines for the new album. His childhood home in Houston was always full of music for a young mind to be inspired. He became fully immersed in the performance of contemporary jazz, though always part inspired by the records of his youth, from the Funkadelics, Led Zeppelin, Santana, Earth, Wind, & Fire, The Isley Brothers, B.B. King, Ray Parker Jr., George Benson, and Earl Klugh to name a few. Ever expanding his range of influences in the mastery of his instrument, Wilkins teamed up for a short period with the great jazz saxophonist Kyle Turner. After a few years apart, Wilkins and Turner eventually reunited in 1989 and formed Kyle Turner and Standing Room Only. The band was a huge hit, and opened for many bigger names such as The Rippingtons, Peabo Bryson, Zapp, Spyro Gyra, Richard Elliot and Natalie Cole in many different venues – always vying to steal the show with their playing. Wilkins was always something a little extra special in those performances; never simply delivering the expected, always pushing the guitar into the forefront of contemporary jazz. His discography is extensive and varied, simply because he is more than capable of adapting his unique playing to whichever musical style of his partners. Performing on 16 albums is a matchless contribution to music in today's world, including his first solo album – "The Introduction" – released in 2001. "The Introduction received airplay from coast to coast in the US, and gained Wilkins an audience from the states to the UK, to Japan and Africa. Clearly his intention to "transcend ages and all ethnic groups" was achieved with the record's success. Onstage he has been equally impressive with Kim Waters, Marion Meadows, Kirk Whalum, Bobby Lyle, Ronnie Laws, Ollie Woodson (Temptations) and many others. Like bamboo, his strength lies in his flexibility. Which makes sense that he has in the last few years turned his hand to playing keyboards, bass guitar and drums to achieve the "Wilkins"sound. As he says: "my music is special because it feels good and connects with the listener." His new sophomore CD "Follow My Lead" is one of the ripe fruits of his playing and writing endeavours. The CD features twelve tracks that are a mixture of Smooth and Contemporary Jazz and R&B. The CD was produced by Gregg Moore, with several tracks produced by Mr. Wilkins. Session players featured on the new CD are 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 (MAC Band) and Liz Vaughn on vocals."Follow My Lead" – his Sophomore CD – is the future of jazz performance made available in the present from an incredible individual often considered a musical genius. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |