Preach Brother!: Wilkerson’s Soulful Serenade

Don Wilkerson’s album “Preach Brother!” is a masterful creation that effortlessly blends soul, jazz, and blues into a captivating musical experience. Released in the golden era of the 1960s, this album features six Wilkerson originals that transcend time. Don Wilkerson’s saxophone mastery radiates through every note and is complemented by a tightly bonded ensemble that infuses vibrant life into each track: Grant Green on the guitar, Sonny Clark on the piano, Butch Warren on the bass, and Billy Higgins behind the drums.

The opening track “Jeanie-Weenie,” is a joyful upbeat rhythm-and-blues-influenced composition that features a walking boogie-woogie baseline throughout the track. It is evident that this piece draws strong inspiration from the collaborative work between Don Wilkerson and Amos Milburn during the late 1940s. “Homesick Blues” brings a change of pace, slowing things down with its timeless blues essence. In contrast to the lively “Jeanie-Weenie,” this classic blues track invites you to sit back and tap your feet to its syncopated rhythms. Don Wilkerson’s saxophone takes center stage, adding another layer of depth to the otherwise traditional composition. As the song nears its end, Wilkerson boldly takes control of the rhythm, subtly challenging the drums and creating a beautiful interplay.

Don Wilkerson’s breakthrough as a musician came when he joined Ray Charles’ band in 1954. Classics such as “I’ve Got a Woman” and “Hallelujah” all feature Wilkerson’s saxophone. When listening to the album “Preach Brother!,” you can unmistakably feel and hear the echoes of “The Genius of Soul.”

In “Dem Tambourines,” Billy Higgins skillfully synchronizes the drums with the tambourines, creating a vibrant and rhythmic jam session atmosphere. There are minor but evident traces of Ray Charles’ influence in the rhythm, and you might consider playing “What’d I Say” afterward to discern the similarities. In “Camp Meeting,” the unmistakable essence of Ray Charles’ soul and rhythm is palpable, particularly when compared to “I’ve Got a Woman,” where Wilkerson’s saxophone features in the original recording.

“The Eldorado Shuffle” is a call-and-response spotlighting Grant Green’s guitar, Don Wilkerson’s saxophone, and Sonny Clark’s piano. “Pigeon Peas” is a rhythmical composition including funky breaks and musical interpretation. The musicians are building up tension throughout the arrangement which highlights the interplay across this tightly bonded ensemble.

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