简介： by Steve HueyThe archetypal big-toned Texas tenor of Don Wilkerson was unfortunately not ed on record as much as the quality of his music d 更多>
by Steve HueyThe archetypal big-toned Texas tenor of Don Wilkerson was unfortunately not ed on record as much as the quality of his music deserved; he was an excellent, earthy soul-jazz saxophonist capable of playing blues, ballads, bop, swing, and gospel-tinged R&B. Wilkerson was born in Moreauville, LA, in 1932, and first learned the alto sax; by his teens, he had moved to Houston and was accomplished enough on tenor to play with R&B outfits headed by Amos Milburn and Charles Brown. Wilkerson played on some of Ray Charles earliest recording sessions in the mid-50s, taking memorable solos on classics like I Got a Woman, This Little Girl of Mine, and Hallelujah I Love Her So. He also led a band in Miami for a short time, and participated in numerous jam sessions with Cannonball Adderley. Adderley produced Wilkersons first recording session, a 1960 date for Riverside titled The Texas Twister. After another short stint with Charles, he signed with Blue Note and recorded three stellar, soulful albums over 1962-1963: Elder Don, Preach, Brother!, and Shoutin, all of which featured Grant Green on guitar. Unfortunately, none was very successful, and Wilkerson didnt record any further as a leader. He remained in Houston for most of his life and passed away on July 18, 1986.
