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.
Within ten years, he had established himself as the "new jazz harmonica voice," and moved to New York, thanks to an exclusive contract with the prestigious label, Concord Records. He has since recorded fifteen albums, and continues to perform as both a guest artist, and with his own groups, both in festivals and clubs globally.
Hendrik Meurkens’ profound involvement in both jazz and Brazilian music resulted in a very personal and instantly recognizable version of Samba jazz. This music, a cross-cultural amalgam guaranteed to touch the heart, features his harmonica and vibes along with piano, bass and drums, playing his stirring originals and arrangements. The group has been documented on a number of CDs, most notably the Hendrik Meurkens desert island disc, October Colors.
As a featured artist, he has recorded with Charlie Byrd, Jimmy Cobb, Ivan Lins, Monty Alexander, Claudio Roditi ,Manfredo Fest and Mundell Lowe, as well as backing such leading artists as Astrid Gilberto and Olivia Newton John and touring with the Ray Brown Trio, Paquito D'Rivera, Oscar Castro Neves, Herb Ellis, Herbie Mann, Charlie Byrd, and James Moody among many others.
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Album Review
- Junity by Dan Bilawsky
- Samba Little Samba by Dan Bilawsky
- Samba Little Samba by Edward Blanco
Live Review
Album Review
- Harmonicus Rex by Dan Bilawsky
- Harmonicus Rex by Edward Blanco
- Cabin In The Sky by Chris Mosey
- Cobb's Pocket by Dan Bilawsky
- Manhattan Samba by Edward Blanco
- Samba Jazz Odyssey by Edward Blanco
October 23, 2023
Guitarist Russ Spiegel Releases 'Caribbean Blue' with Guests Brian...
July 31, 2023
Charles Carlini Presents Unveils Exciting Fall Jazz Series Lineup,...
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,...
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From: Samba Little SambaBy Hendrik Meurkens