The Rick Holland Quartet featuring Hendrik Meurkens: You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To (2002)

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.

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Published: January 10, 2003

The Rick Holland Quartet featuring Hendrik Meurkens: You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To

They've performed together over the years. As jazz harmonica ace Hendrik Meurkens joins educator/flugelhornist Rick Holland and his quartet, for a cool, jazzy brew consisting of standards and originals. Melody is the key ingredient throughout, as the lead soloists complement each other via alternating statements and gleeful unison choruses. Meurkens' illuminating work on 'Someday My Prince Will Come' might beckon you to head for a sandy beach on a warm summer's day. Meanwhile, Holland melds warm lines with a reflective demeanor to coincide with the rhythm section's relaxed, yet forceful sense of swing. There are quite a few jubilantly performed trinkets here, as the band projects a streamlined approach via a no frills style of play. In addition, Meurkens performs on vibes during the final piece, 'Slidin.'

The musicians' unflappable composure translates into an overriding sense of sophistication and tenderness. Hence, the music prompts you to dispel the common drudgeries of life. Now that alone, speaks volumes! Recommended'

Cadence Building

Track Listing: 1.You?d Be So Nice to Come Home To 2.Someday My Prince will Come 3.Mundell?s Mood 4.Come Rain or Come Shine 5.Bolero 6.The Cottage 7.Strayhorn 8.The Days Of wine And Roses 9.Slidin?

Personnel: Rick Holland: flugelhorn ? Terry Lower: piano ? Ed Fedewa: bass ? Larry Ochiltree: drums ? Hendrik Meurkens: harmonica (1-8) vibraphone (9)

Record Label: Cadence Jazz Records
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream