Hendrik Meurkens: Samba Jazz Odyssey

One of the leading proponents of bossa nova and samba in the jazz world, New York-based chromatic harmonica virtuoso Hendrik Meurkens continues his love affair with Brazilian music with the big band sound of Samba Jazz Odyssey, his seventh release on the ZOHO record label. This time Meurkens is joined by the world-renown WDR Big Band from Cologne, Germany where the maestro and ensemble record nine tracks and seven of his most popular compositions arranged by Grammy-nominated conductor Michael Phillip Mossman.

There happens to be two European jazz orchestras that draw the attention of most jazz artists and they are the Netherlands Metropole Jazz Orchestra (Metropole Orkest) and The WDR Big Band. Meurkens says: "It is everybody's dream to record with the WDR Big Band, and I was honored to collaborate with them...This project is very special to me..." Written by Meurkens in honor of the Java Jazz Festival based in Jakarta, "A Night in Jakarta" begins this musical adventure in festive style featuring tenor saxophonist Paul Heller and trombonist Raphael Klemm.

First recorded on his album Poema Brasileiro (Concord, 1996), "Manhattan Samba" is a homage to the vibrant Brazilian jazz scene in New York, as he delivers some of his finest solo moments. One of his most popular compositions "Sambatropolis" is reprised once again from his 2007 release of the same name and on this version, the ensemble stands out adding a special treat. The first five tracks are all Meurkens originals and include the oft-recorded "Prague in March" and the hard-driving "Mountain Drive" where trumpeter Andy Haderer and pianist Billy Test contribute solos.

The propulsive "You Again" a Mossman composition, certainly makes a splash here with remarkable solos from various members of the band resulting in one of the many keepers of this session. The last two originals include a tribute piece to the great saxophonist Paquito D' Rivera with "Bolero Para Paquito" and the delicious harmonious samba-tinged "Samba Tonto."

Though not always a certainty, many Brazilian-styled recordings include at least one Antonio Carlos Jobim song, as is the case here with the finale "Choro," which is presented with a fresh new arrangement. For those who appreciate the flavors of Brazil, Samba Jazz Odyssey captures the sensuous samba, bossa nova and choro sounds in a big band setting sure to be visited often.