Hendrik Meurkens
Hendrik Meurkens, a virtuoso on both the chromatic harmonica and the vibraphone, is the most important jazz harmonica player since Toots Thielemans. German-born but now based in New York, Meurkens' recordings and performances garner worldwide acclaim because the transcendent beauty of his music has universal appeal.
A two-mallet player in the tradition of Milt Jackson and Bobby Hutcherson, Hendrik Meurkens was en-route to being an instantly recognizable vibraphonist when he heard Toots Thielemans. Inspired by the sound of Thielemans' harmonica, he taught himself the difficult-to-master instrument.
Hendrik Meurkens' other life-changing musical experience was his introduction to samba and bossa nova. He was so moved by Brazilian music that after perfecting his unique musical voice at Berklee, as a vibraphone major, he moved to Rio in the early 80s to totally immerse himself in music and culture of Brazil.
A regular Monday night gig at the popular Rio club, Bar 21, soon demonstrated his acceptance by Brazilian musicians. Meurkens’ poignant, emotionally affecting harmonica proved to be a sound that Brazilians strongly embraced, and during his Rio days, he met many musicians who later became collaborators in both Europe and New York.
Back in Germany by '83, he became a respected studio musician, recording with European Radio Orchestras and leading his own groups, as well as accompanying visiting legends like Harry ‘Sweets’ Edison and Buddy Tate.
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Album Review
- Dedicated to You by Jack Bowers
- Strollin' by Jack Bowers
- Strollin' by Nicholas F. Mondello
- Back to the Garden by Richard J Salvucci
- Back to the Garden by Nicholas F. Mondello
- Manhattan Samba by Edward Blanco
- Cobb's Pocket by Nicholas F. Mondello
- Cobb's Pocket by Dan Bilawsky
- Cabin In The Sky by Chris Mosey
- Cabin In The Sky by Dan Bilawsky
May 31, 2021
Jazz Comes To Easton’s Historic Waterfowl Building
June 29, 2008
Jazz Festival Featuring Jazz Greats, Bill Crow, Hendrik Meurkens and...
February 09, 2008
Album of the Week - Sambatropolis, Hendrik Meurkens
January 17, 2008
Hendrik Meurkens CD Release "Sambatropolis" Wed, Jan. 30th at Kitano2...
December 10, 2007
Hendrik Meurkens CD Release "Sambatropolis" Wed, Jan. 30th at Kitano2...
February 27, 2007
Hendrik Meurkens "New York Samba Jazz Quintet" Tue-Wed, Feb. 27th &...
February 15, 2007
Hendrik Meurkens Samba Jazz Quartet at J&r Music World + WBGO Live...
February 06, 2007
Brazilian Jazz Artist Hendrik Meurkens to Perform at J&R Tuesday,...
December 23, 2006
Hendrik Meurkens NY Samba Jazz Quartet at Dizzy's Club Coca Cola...
July 31, 2006
Hendrik Meurkens Quartet at Zinc Bar Tuesday-Thursday August 1-3 +...
Photos
Albums
Euro 12
From: Samba Little SambaBy Hendrik Meurkens