Hendrik Meurkens: Samba Tonto

Among the myriad jazz musicians practicing their art in countries around the world, there are few to whom the term "virtuoso" may readily be applied. Australia's James Morrison is one; Germany's Hendrik Meurkens is another.

Widely known and admired as a master of the harmonica, Meurkens is equally adept on vibraphone and as a composer and arranger whose voice is strong and articulate. Meurkens displays all those remarkable traits on Samba Tonto, wherein he removes himself from the customary straight- ahead and bop-oriented jazz milieu and returns to one of his first and dearest loves, the enchanting music of Brazil.

To heighten the interest and add to the diversity, Meurkens enlarges his core quartet by adding guest trombonist Justus Heher on seven of the album's 11 numbers (six of which he composed) and flutist Laura Dreyer on four. An unlisted string section makes its collective voice heard on "The Summer Knows" and "Lullaby for Benny." The ensemble's sharp and agile rhythm section is comprised of pianist Misha Tsiganov (Fender Rhodes on "The Summer Knows" and Meurkens' "Herb's Samba" and "Bye Bye Brasil"), bassist Eduardo Belo, and drummer and percussionist Portinho.

"The whole album," Meurkens says, "is about playing beautiful songs." If that was indeed the goal, mission accomplished—with ample room to spare. Songs simply do not come much lovelier than Rodgers and Hart's "My Romance" or Michel Legrand's "The Summer Knows," which is sandwiched between João Donato's bright and cheerful opening number, "Know It All," and Meurkens' lively "Herb's Samba" (written as a thank-you for his many kindnesses to Herb Alpert). The leader's vibraphone sparkles there, as it does on five more numbers. The title song, Meurkens' dashing "Samba Tonto," follows "My Romance" and precedes the dreamy "Lullaby for Benny." The Brazilian choro rhythm makes its first appearance (as does Dreyer) on the charismatic "Chorinho for Nico" and reappears later on the charming and playful closing number, "Choro em Casa." Between them are Antonio Carlos Jobim's wave- resistant "Surf Board," Meurkens' glossy "Chelsea Nocturne" and sunlit "Bye Bye Brasil."

As noted, an album whose main purpose was to identify and showcase beautiful songs while placing the accent squarely on Brazil, a goal that Meurkens and his talented teammates pursue with eagerness  and assurance. With maestro Meurkens as their touchstone, the chances of success were all but guaranteed.