Critics and Musicians Are Talking about Hendrik Meurkens

“Ever since jazz discovered the samba some 50 years ago, many non-Brazilian musicians have flipped over the style and added bossa nova…. and jazz samba…to their repertoire. Some - including Charlie Byrd, Stan Getz and Herbie Mann - became influential and loyal supporters of the stylistic hybrid. Perhaps no one, however, has so thoroughly assimilated the essence of the ‘Brazilian thing’ as Hendrik Meurkens.” - Mark Holston – Jazziz, May 2008

“Meurkens comes out of Toots Thielemans but has his own things to say in an even more boppish mode.” - Ira Gitler - Jazz Times

“…Meurkens performed a rare Washington engagement at Twins Jazz over the weekend and readily demonstrated his melodic flair and harmonic assurance -- virtues that enhanced the ballads and enlivened the swing tunes. Like Thielemans, who frequently doubles on guitar, Meurkens is a switch-hitter. He spent the opening set on Friday night alternately playing the chromatic harmonica and the vibraphone. His phrasing on harmonica, though sometimes punctuated by fanciful multi-octave runs, was invariably clean, fluid and expressive. Particularly enjoyable were the ballad interpretations, which ranged from the soulful ("I Can't Get Started") to the insouciant ("Like Someone in Love"). Both performances were distinguished by unruffled technique and winning lyricism." - Mike Joyce - Washington Post

“Surrounded by an outstanding rhythm section, the leader seems to feed of their enthusiasm. “Scrapple from the Apple” brings four particularly impressive sets of chops to the platform. Performed at a blazing tempo, the Charlie Parker nod summarizes the recommended album thoughtfully and reminds us that virtuoso jazz artists don’t just appear out of nowhere…Meurkens has earned the right to carry the jazz harmonica torch.” - Jim Santella – All About Jazz - March, 2001

“He plays his main instrument, the chromatic harmonica, and shows the supple melodious grace and underlying improvisational moxie that makes him one of the precious few musicians to extend the Toots Thielemans tradition of chromatic harp – virtuosity in check with taste.” – Josef Woodard – JazzTimes - May, 2000

“…one of the world’s leading exponents of the jazz harmonica…” - Marcela Breton - JazzTimes

“…he has a natural inclination for seeking out beauty, for breathing harmony of color into themes and extemporizations.” - Frank-John Hadley - Downbeat

“…his albums for Concord have more then established him as a major innovator…” - Mark Holston - Jazziz

“Hendrik Meurkens has secured a firm hold on second place behind Toots in the jazz world. He tackles the challenging material with apparent ease, coming up with fresh and very fluent statements.” - Scott Yanow - Cadence

“If you haven’t heard this eloquent jazz player, you’re missing out on one amazing aural experience.” - Brian Humek - JAM Magazine

“He has a distinctively warm tone and his grasp of the basic bebop vernacular is thorough.” - Barry McRae - Jazz Journal International

“If Jazz has become a world music (and it has), then Meurkens is certainly a symbol of the music’s diverse cultural qualities…” - Nicholas Catalano - Chelsea Clinton News

“The ease with which Meurkens masters a chromatic harmonica is evident in the fluidity of his lines and phrasing.” - Nance Ann Lee – Jazz &Blues Report

“With flawless intonation and time, and a deep bag of solo ideas, Meurkens could be favorably compared to the great Toots Thielemans and the best who’ve ever elevated the status of the ‘Mississippi saxophone’.” - Dan Emerson – Pulse Magazine - February, 2001

“Back in Brazil, I had the chance to work with Mauricio Einhorn and Rildo Hora (two top Brazilian harmonica players) and Toots Thielemans, and all I can say is Hendrik combines that Brazilian samba swing with Toot’s virtuosity. He’s an amazing musician.” - Nilson Matta

"Hendrik's understanding of the Brazilian music vocabulary is absolute...His music feels like the work of a native Brazilian composer. Hendrik Meurkens is one of those rare musicians who makes you listen to his instrument - the harmonica - as a virtuoso instrument." - Claudio Roditi

“Working on Amazon River let me even closer to the talents of Hendrik Meurkens. To be proficient on the harmonica is a milestone in itself. Blowing out produces one note, breathing in produces another. To play legato, to have fluidity and the proper dynamics in this difficult instrument means endless hours of dedication. Hendrik has an awesome technique, a great sense of improvisation and a very personal way of navigating complex harmonies. Adding to that is his wonderful artistry on the vibraphone, another instrument that Hendrik commands with great grace and expression. Yet another extra element of his talents is the way he plays Brazilian music. I strongly suspect that his soul was born somewhere among the trees and the rivers of Brazil, so native are his performances. I hope “Amazon River” will help disseminate the wonderful music that comes straight out of Hendrik’s heart. It will move you.” - Oscar Castro-Neves

“Meurkens possesses an advanced and beautiful harmonica technique. He easily belongs in the same company as Toots Thielemans and Stevie Wonder, both masters of the difficult instrument.” – All About Jazz

“There's something about a harmonica (expressing itself through the capable talents of Hendrik Meurkens) & the Latin idiom that one has to take serious….there's something very 'individual' about Hendrik's Music.” - George W. Carroll – ejazz.com

“...Meurkens’ instrumental virtuosity as well as the depth of his understanding of Brazilian music was immediately striking. His timing and execution are perfect and his solos are like mini-compositions in themselves, full of melodic and harmonic surprises that always resolve themselves logically. ..The comparison of Hendrik Meurkens with Toots Thielemans is inevitable…Following in Thielemans footsteps, Meurkens continues to evolve a language of linear improvisation through complex chord changes which is very melodic and compositional and attempts to stay away from obvious licks and predefined patterns. This combination of infectious Brazilian rhythms with highly sophisticated harmony and beautifully melodic compositions and improvisations are a winning combination that appeals to the most demanding audience as well as the casual listener.” - Dan Adler – JazzImprov – July, 2006

“….Emilio Santiago then returned to the stage for Ivan Lins' “Lembra de Mim,” a soft ballad that suited the crooner's voice to perfection – but it was Meurkens who stole the show at this moment, delivering a spirited solo that got everyone's attention – including that of Santiago, who seemed completely captivated by what the German-born musician was doing.” - Ernest Barteldes - Beyond Race – April, 2009

...As A Composer

“...Meurkens deserves more recognition as a composer. His stimulating ‘Sambatropolis’, his intricate and intoxicating chorinhos ‘The Bee’ and
‘Choro da Neve’, his lovely ballads ‘Ocean Lights’ and ‘A Summer In SanFrancisco’, and his minor-blues-turned-samba ‘Hot and Stuffy’ are all top-notch creations.” - Scott Albin - Jazz Times

"Hendrik's understanding of the Brazilian music vocabulary is absolute...His music feels like the work of a native Brazilian composer.” - Claudio Roditi

“Meurkens shows the signs of an experienced composer with a broad knowledge of Brazilian styles on these tracks…”- The Latin Jazz Corner

“‘Samba to Go!’…showcases the growth and maturation of his sublime talent as a composer of Brazilian music - something that few musicians from outside Brazil can boast of…"Choro No. 14" is another superb composition. This song is the glue that really binds Meurkens to the Brazilian milieu….” - Raul d'Gama Rose – Latinjazznet

“... Eight of the ten tracks were written by Meurkens. One of them, “Mountain Drive”, competes with Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “So Tinha De Ser Com Voce” as to which is the prettiest.” - Dick Bogle - Blogspot

“… In addition to Simas' song there are two others from outside sources, but the other seven included on the album are all Meurkens' compositions. That's a much larger percentage than on his previous albums, which would seem to indicate his growing confidence in his songwriting abilities. For what it's worth, I humbly agree. His pieces…are outstanding.” - Big Geez – Blogcritics

“…Meurkens…writes melodies which are instantly appealing and which provide amenable material for his group's improvisation.” - Tony Augarde - MusicWeb International“Mimosa’s” momentum comes from the refreshing and energetic melodic lines that shift from section to section. It is top of the line writing and great fun to listen to.” - Rick Culver - jazzradio247

Reviews SAMBA TO GO!

“The music of Brazil has captivated a great number of fans and musicians around the world, and many of the latter have tried to emulate the country's sounds and make them their own, for better or worse. Among those who have been successful is Hendrik Meurkens, a New York-based (but Germanraised) harmonica player….Meurkens lived in Brazil for a number of years, and while there he immersed himself in genres ranging from choro (an ancient instrumental style currently being rediscovered), samba and bossa nova… The CD opens with "Spaceburger," a Meurkens composition that first appeared on 1989's “Samba Importado”, his debut recording as a bandleader. On this new version, he plays the vibes, allowing Rodrigo Ursaia to take the lead on the flute…One of the only two covers on the disc is "Só Tinha de Ser Com Você (It Had to Be With You)," a Jobim/Aloysio de Oliveira tune made famous by the late Elis Regina during the mid-'70s…On the highly complex "Choro No. 14," Meurkens interacts with Ursaia (on saxophone this time around) with ease…Meurkens also does great justice to the gentle Young/Washington ballad "My Foolish Heart," a tune that features fine piano work from Tsiganov, the sole Russian-born member of Meurkens' quartet. ..“Samba To Go!” is a fine example of the evolution that samba-jazz has had since its Stateside discovery in the late '50s via Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd, and those who have since followed in their footsteps.” – Houston Press - Ernest Barteldes

“Meurkens really has gotten us spoiled as we keep looking forward to each of his new releases with more energy that we thought we’ve ever have for a harmonica record this side of Toots Thielemans.” - Chris Spector - Midwest Record

“Samba To Go!” sounds like an album that will be eligible for classic status someday.” - The Run-Off Groove - John Book

“Harmonica and vibes master Hendrik Meurkens…continues to splendidly mine the rich vein of samba jazz …Meurkens renders Jobim's endearing, sumptuous "So Tinha De Ser Come Voçe" on vibes, the instrument's round, ringing notes a perfect complement to the timeless melody…More ace harmonica inhabits "Choro No. 14" and "Mountain Drive”.” - Zan Stewart

“Hendrik Meurkens continues his love affair with the music of Brazil on “Samba To Go!”, his evolution of the samba and choro styles and his flawless command of the harmonica and vibes making this another masterpiece of an album.” - Edward Blanco – All About Jazz

“Though being of Dutch-German descent, Hendrik Meurkens has become a professional Brazilian flavored music maker whose spirited sounds are channeled through his most evident influence, Toots Thielemans. On thisrecording, Meurkens switches up playing his familiar harmonica with the vibraphone….Though typical of what Meurkens has been releasing, there's enough depth, substance, and diversity to set this apart from strictly confined Brazilian music projects. It is a high point for Meurkens….as a bandleader, a vibist (please, play more!) and especially a well-rounded and able instrumentalist.” - Suncoast

“Meurkens shows the signs of an experienced composer with a broad knowledge of Brazilian styles on these tracks ….Meurkens shines with the finesse that years of experience produce in a musician. His vibraphone playing adds a percussive edge to his naturally lyrical presence while his harmonica playing resonates with technical prowess and expressive qualities.” - The Latin Jazz Corner

“This is Brazilian samba at its best. There aren't many jazz harmonica players that can execute as well as Meurkens. He creates a thirst for extended listening.” - Oscar Groomes - O's Place

“Hendrik Meurkens…plays the harmonica in the way that puts him behind only Toots Thielemans and also stands out on vibes…. His skill on those two instruments is almost equal.” – Pittsburgh Live - Bob Karlovits

“Hendrik Meurkens established two important aspects about himself a long time ago, when he first started recording in 1990. The first is that he is a supreme virtuoso on harmonica and the second - perhaps more important when it comes to his music - is that he has the soul of a Brasileiro. Nowhere is this more evident than on this, his most recent recording, ‘Samba to Go!’. This is an important record in Meurkens' vast repertoire. It showcases the growth and maturation of his sublime talent as a composer of Brazilian music - something that few musicians from outside Brazil can boast of. "Choro No. 14" is another superb composition. This song is the glue that really binds Meurkens to the Brazilian milieu more than any other song on this record. His grasp of the nebulous Brazilian feeling that describes the unique "saudades" and also that lingering "alegria" suggests that he is now completely at one with that which moves Brazilians. Speaking of the harmonica, Meurkens soars to great heights when he blows this magical instrument….on vibraphone, Meurkens' other instrument, he now has a distinctive voice and it is bluesy, but very different from Bags. Meurkens is more soulful in that molten Brazilian way and here he really has no parallel or equal in style, dynamic and expression.” - Raul d'Gama Rose – Latinjazznet

“It's the title track…that is my favorite on the CD, though... man, this tune jumps, and if you haven't sampled Meurkens before, you'd better get on board his train... very cool music that will put you in the right mood no matter how deep in the phunk you've been... I give it a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for jazz listeners of all stripes!” - Improvijazzation Nation - Rotcod Zzaj

“Vibes and harmonica seem to be an especially good match with samba music. At least Hendrik Meurkens’ harmonica and vibraphone are able to plumb the best of the idiom and make some great music... Eight of the ten tracks were written by Meurkens. One of them, “Mountain Drive” competes with Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “ So Tinha De Ser Com Voce” as to which is the prettiest. Meurkens closes with the familiar “My Foolish Heart,” and a grand version it is, heart warming and comforting.” - Dick Bogle - Blogspot

“The final track, “My Foolish Heart”, shows off just how beautifully Meurkens plays, and it’s memorable for its apparent simplicity and deep feeling.” - Michael Steinman – Cadence

“Samba To Go! sounds like an album that will be eligible for classic status someday.” - John Book – thisisbooksmusic.com

“Meurkens has been a vital part of the Latin jazz scene for a couple of decades… In addition to Simas' song there are two others from outside sources, but the other seven included on the album are all Meurkens' compositions. That's a much larger percentage than on his previous albums, which would seem to indicate his growing confidence in his songwriting abilities. For what it's worth, I humbly agree. His pieces - some written in the past and others brand new - are outstanding.” - Big Geez – Blogcritics

“In some ways, Hendrik Meurkens resembles Toots Thielemans. They are both virtuosi on the harmonica - an instrument rare in jazz. And Meurkens' sound is often very similar to Thielemans'…However, while Toots doubles on guitar, Hendrik's other instrument is the vibraphone. And he contributes to this attractive album equally well on both instruments. Meurkens …writes melodies which are instantly appealing and which provide amenable material for his group's improvisation. Every track is enjoyable but I particularly liked the opening Spaceburger, with its melody stated on flute and decorated by Hendrik's simple but effective vibes-playing…Meurkens is a straightforward vibist - without any showy technique - but someone who allows the instrument its natural vibrato, generating a gratifying bell-like sound…The album ends with My Foolish Heart - not performed as a samba but as a ballad featuring the harmonica, although it turns into a bossa nova halfway through.” - Tony Augarde - MusicWeb International

“What are the odds of the best Brazilian music being written and performed by someone that was born in Holland, raised in Germany, and looks like he should be repairing your BMW? Don’t knock yourself out trying to figure out why this works. Enjoy it!” - George W. Harris - Jazzweekly

“I have been a fan of Hendrik Meurkens ever since I heard him live several years ago at the Cornelia Street Café. With just under 20 albums as a leader and collaborator, this Dutch-born, German-raised, Brazilian-and-jazz-music-bred harmonica and vibes virtuoso is one of the most distinctive voices in his current hometown of New York City….The CD opens with Spaceburger, a beautiful melody rendered on flute by Rodrigo Ursaia with Meurkens doubling on vibes. The simplicity and catchiness of the melody obscures the many layers of complex rhythms which are seamlessly integrated into the background…The real magic happens when you are hit with Meurkens’ first harmonica solo of the CD. Although he says in the liner notes that he thinks of himself as more of a composer than a player, to me, Meurkens’ harmonica solos are always the highlight. There is a logical order to every note he plays, and his improvisations are mini-compositions in and of themselves, always leading to surprising places and always rendered with so much conviction that you cannot help but go along for the ride. Like his mentor, Toots Thielemans, Meurkens “goes for the pretty notes” and he always finds them – much to our delight... The title track ‘Samba To Go!’ is an appealing cross between a Choro-style melody and a fast Samba rhythm (sort of the Brazilian version of a Bebop head)….You can’t help but feel happy and uplifted when you listen to this music –maybe that’s where the title came from... ‘Mountain Drive’ was one of my favorite cuts on Meurkens’ ‘Amazon River’ CD. Here, it is revisited with a different mood and instrumentation. The beauty of the composition really shines through with Meurkens’ harmonica blending nicely with Ursaia’s tenor sax...’Joe’s Donut’ was featured on Meurkens’ ‘Clear Of Clouds’ album, with the leader on vibes then and now, but this time the doubling with Ursaia’s tenor sax adds a new dimension, and again you realize you are listening to a very complex piece of music, and yet it is cheerful and inviting. ‘Bossa Sketch’ has a relaxed bossa feel and provides a great opportunity for Ursaia to shine on soprano sax along with Meurkens’ vibes. ‘My Foolish Heart’ is the only standard on the album, and it starts as a heart-to-heart rubato duet between Meurkens and Tsiganov. The group comes in for the second round, and eventually double-times the rhythm, inspiring Meurkens to deliver his most imaginative and emotional solo of the entire CD – leaving you wondering what is next for this great artist and when will he deliver the next installment of Meurkens magic.” - Dan Adler - Jazz Inside – October, 2009

Reviews SAMBATROPOLIS

“….it’s always a pleasure to hear the swinging solos of one of the two top chromatic harmonicists playing jazz today (the other being Toots Thielemans).” - Audad

“It is rare to listen to an album where you just can’t find a mediocre or bad piece on the entire set. Well, such is precisely the case with “Sambatropolis,” a musical treasure of Brazilian flavored music uniquely conveyed through the voice of the harmonica and vibes as wonderfully expressed by German-born Hendrik Meurkens…Hendrik Meurkens’ chops on the vibes and his passionate harmonica lines makes this a unique musical experience.” - Edward Blanco - E-Jazz News

“On “Sambatropolis” Hendrik Meurkens continues to offer the stellar fusion of chorinho and jazz that has marked his musical output over the past 17 years.” - Paula Edelstein – allmusic.com

“Meurkens has come up with a winning blend, once more.” - Jerry D'Souza - Allaboutjazz

“Leave it to the Germans to get manufacturing done right. Hendrik Meurkens, who has mastered both harmonica and vibraphone, has put together yet another seamless and enticing collection of Brazilian-flavored jazz. It’s hard to figure which instrument fits him best. On Jobim’s “Voçe Vai Ver” and his own “A Summer In San Francisco”, his vibes dance with a tingling beauty. His harmonica, however, is yearning and warm, as he displays on his own title tune and Jobim’s under recorded “Fotografia”. Well crafted and efficient like a Porsche, this disc grooves along the Autostrada.”
- George Harris – Jazzweekly

“In this vibrant collection… Hendrik Meurkens again engrossingly blends a vital jazz core – rooted in the melodic grace of Charlie Parker – with an affinity and affection for beats Brazilian. A one-time Rio resident who
employs a cast of top Brazilian and American jazz artists, chromatic harmonica and vibes player Meurkens offers profound authenticity – and musicality – throughout.” - Zan Stewart - Newark Star Ledger

“…there's nothing on “Sambatropolis” that is bad. Not one song. Played with precision, the recording, mixing, and mastering is top notch, fans who love Latin jazz will find every reason to buy this and pass it along to friends. If “Sambatropolis” was a real city, we should all pack up and live there.” - John Book - Run-Off-Groove

“….Meurkens deserves more recognition as a composer. His stimulating ‘Sambatropolis”, his intricate and intoxicating chorinhos ‘The Bee’ and ‘Choro da Neve’, his lovely ballads ‘Ocean Lights’ and ‘A Summer In San Francisco’, and his minor-blues-turned-samba ‘Hot and Stuffy’ are all top-notch creations.” - Scott Albin - Jazz Times

“Hendrik Meurkens' affinity for Latin jazz is no more unusual than that of George Frederic Handel's for Italian opera. Harmonica player and vibraphonist Meurkens has previously divided his talents on “Amazon River” and “New York Samba Jazz Quintet”. These releases have been well received both for their new compositions and their interpretations of classic songs.…Meurkens possesses an advanced and beautiful harmonica technique. He easily belongs in the same company as Toots Thielemans and Stevie Wonder, both masters of the difficult instrument. His soloing, particularly on the opening title track, is sprite with ideas and sharp technique. The same is true of his vibes playing. On Jobim's “Voce Vai Ver,” Meurkens is light and mercurial, attaining a creative tension potently present but almost imperceptible. That makes for sublime music making.” - All About Jazz

“Meurkens and his group wash their musical canvas with a bold blast of colors on “Sambatropolis”, resulting in a rich blend of Brazilian jazz. Meurkens’ harmonica fits into samba, choro, and bossa nova with grace and style; the instrument’s tone compliments the style completely. In Meurkens’ hands, the harmonica becomes both expressive and lyrical. At the same time, Meurkens displays another voice as a vibraphonist, exposing a more rhythmic side to his musical personality. To his credit, he never looses his identity as he moves between instruments; instead he simply expands his vocabulary....in the end, the color palette provided by Meurkens’ multiple instruments simply serve as a tool, expressing his inherent knowledge, leadership, and musicality, the elements that enable a musician to truly create a work of art.” - chipboaz.com

“This type of CD Review tends to review itself due to the enormous resident talent contained therein. I refer to the gifted jazz chromatic harmonica artist Hendrik Meurkens. Hendrik explores the latino vibe with this CD project with an artist's palette, & his musical panache overflows with every emotion from mournful to flexible & spontaneous. A master of the 'horn line,' Meurkens reveals a latent talent to modernize jazz with his strong introspective & meditative playing style. It's interesting too that one is left to wonder about his influences yet, one doesn't care because Hendrik is deft at exploring new boundaries. This is a jazz harmonica artist that can interpret melody & harmony with an expansive, far reaching tone and artistry.” - George Carroll - E-Jazz News

"For those who saw Hendrik Meurkens at Jazzfest last June, you are aware that he plays eclectic programs…In his newest release, Sambatropolis, he has taken two standards, “You Don’t Know What Love Is” and “Bernie’s Tune,” added Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “Fotografia” and “Você Vai Ver,” and Adriano Giffoni’s “Nem Lá, Nem Cá,” and effectively blended them with six of his original tunes to create an album of varying moods, sublime musicianship and interesting arrangements that keeps the listener involved from start to finish. …Meurkens is always striving to find new combinations of instruments to enhance his music. Here he blends Ursaia’s flute with his harmonica during his lovely ballad, “Ocean Lights,” and pairs the tenors of Ursaia and Levy with harmonica and rhythm to explore Jobim’s classic “Fotografia.” This is a collection of music that draws you in, especially the robust carnival feeling of “Choro da Neve”. If you need an injection of musical energy and uplift, Sambatropolis is just the right answer for you.” - Jersey Jazz

Reviews NY SAMBA QUINTET

“The star of this show, Hendrik Meurkens, plies his wares playing serious samba jazz lines as a backdrop to his wonderful quintet. The group explores the world of the American Songbook & Jobim with panache, verve, and animation. And, Hendrik & his harmonica establishes himself as the focal point & assumed inspiration for the combined group with a convincing conceptual innovation with his heroic efforts exploring the jazz terrain of the samba idiom.” - George W. Carroll - The Musicians' Ombudsman

“A German of Dutch descent, harmonica player and vibraphonist Hendrik Meurkens wouldn’t seem to be a likely candidate for the south of the equator rhythms of samba, choro or bossa nova, but he sounds plenty Brazilian when he’s playing. On his 12th album as a leader, Meurkens heads up a band that is equally adept with the Brazilian rhythms as it is with jazz improvisation. The band burns on this live recording, often picking up momentum as the songs go on, particularly on the Donato gem “A Ra” (also known as “The Frog”) thanks to the powerful stick-work of drummer Adriano Santos. It’s hard to do Brazilian music without touching on Jobim and the quintet does an extemporaneous version of “Triste.” More of a surprise are the pleasant original choros “Mimosa” and “Menina na Janela.” Certainly a must for those looking for jazz with some sunny tropical flavor.” – Tad Hendrickson – Jazzweek

“It’s Meurkens’ date but every one gets a turn in the spotlight….The date opens in high gear and might get easy but never slows down...Make no mistake, this harp artist is the heir apparent to Toots Thielemans.” - Chris Spector – Midwest Record

“…Meurkens lives in no one’s shadow, not even Thielemans'. His harmonica playing is highly ornamented and carefully sculpted. He accomplishes in the jazz arena what Little Walter Jacobs did in the blues--elevating the harmonica to the status of a frontline horn. Addressing his vibes performance, Meurkens shines, particularly on New York Samba Jazz Quintet's opener, “Vamos Nessa.” His vibraphone is also beautifully ornamental on “Triste.”. But it is his harmonica that is truly stunning. The listener can only marvel at Meurkens’ virtuosity demonstrated at the end of “Bolero Para Paquito,” and that is only one example. “Flor De Lis” provides a sumptuous ballad vehicle for Meurkens’ supernaturally fluid harmonica playing. However, the disc is not all Meurkens. His pianist Helio Alves more than holds his own while steering the quintet. Tenor saxophonist Jed Levy is equally comfortable in Latin or blues idioms, blowing superb solos on “Vamos Nessa” and “A Ra.” While Meurkens is no newcomer, he certainly demands greater attention. Let us hope for many more recordings like this one.” - Michael Bailey - AllAboutJazz

“Meurkens plays both harmonica and vibraphone for this session. The samba beat that remains woven through the band’s texture provides plenty of drive. The session has sparks that recall the mesmerizing Brazilian quality of Tania Maria in performance. Vibes and piano, in particular, give off a fiery glow that sends a strong message. Jed Levy gives the session a fluid texture. His tenor links up seamlessly with harmonica and vibraphone to help interpret this program of Meurkens originals and familiar songs that sparkle. Unlike some musical instruments, the harmonica and vibraphone avoid staccato attacks and crisp cascades. Rather, both instruments prove conducive for legato strolls and velvety swirls. ..The quintet is equally effective on romantic boleros and ballads as it is on uptempo romps. Four originals by Meurkens provide plenty of spirit. Every track is a winner, though, as the vibraphonist and harp master steers his stellar quintet through this program of Brazilian delights.” - Jim Santella - AllAboutJazz

“Out of the large treasure trove of Brazilian jazz, the choro, bossa nova and samba interest Meurkens most as a jazz player. All these styles are found on “New York Jazz Samba Quintet”, which is comprised of original material and pieces by Brazilian composers…The flute is one of the traditional instruments for the choro, however the harmonica is not. In any case, Levy and Meurkens find symmetry as they use the two instruments on “Menina na Janela.” Meurkens expands on the interplay of the melodic lines with richly textured harmonic inventions, coming off as a compelling exponent of the instrument. Yet another mark like this comes on “Bolero Para Paquito,” a tune he wrote for Paquito D’Rivera. It is warm and sentimental, made all the more attractive by the tenor sax and harmonica. The band meshes jazz and Brazilian music palatably on “Samba Jazz Quintet”. The rhythms fire the
progression, and the end result is an album that zings its way into your mind's pleasure zone.” - Jerry D'Souza – AllAboutJazz

“Both "Vamos Nessa" and "A Rã" carry that contagious Donato rhythm that fans adore. With Alves' flying piano solo and Meurkens' quick hands on vibes, those tracks can leave one breathless with their fast and vibrant tempo… For Djavan's classic "Flor de Lis," Meurkens easily convinces us why he is one of the best harmonica jazz players in recent times. If you have ever doubted that Gershwin had a lost Brazilian gene, with "I Can't Get Started," your suspicions will be gone…The four original Meurkens' compositions featured in “New York Samba Jazz Quintet” offer a nice balance of samba jazz with plenty of room for all musicians to let loose and enjoy themselves. "Prague in March" has a certain Ivan Lins-esque feel to it. "Mimosa" and "Menina na Janela" are great sambas, and in "Bolero Para Paquito" the soft samba ballad steals your heart away. Finally, closing a terrific repertoire, what could be better than Jobim's "Triste"? Meurkens' vibes and Alves' piano solos are jaw-dropping and allow listeners one more chance to enjoy yet another excellent rendition of this famous classic. Clearly this quintet has Brazilian music in their veins and hearts.” – Musica Brasileira

“Mimosa’s” momentum comes from the refreshing and energetic melodic lines that shift from section to section. It is top of the line writing and great fun to listen to. “Menina na Janela,”…is another Choro, again written with long sweeping melodic lines. Subsequently, as expected, this piece, like the previous “Mimosa,” is one you will look forward to hearing…The CD ends with “Triste,” a fitting and finely played tribute to the great master of Brazilian jazz, Antonio Carlos Jobim. The tune sums up this CD in a display of the most expert of writers, with flawless playing and esprit de corps within the personnel that makes this CD worth having.” - Rick Culver - Jazzradio247

“The leader gets in some tasty vibes solos, but the main attraction is his slippery harmonica-playing, ineffably wistful yet also possessing a surprising edge: his improvisations on the instrument gain tautness and urgency from his habit of pushing forward into the next idea fractionally ahead of the rhythm section. As a bandleader, Meurkens runs a tight ship—improvisations are kept to a pithy chorus or half-chorus, and a few tracks (such as the intricate “Menina na Janela”) are virtually through-composed. While sometimes this leaves one hankering for more, in general the concision adds to the music’s sense of purposefulness and eloquence. Alves’ solos are full of wit and unexpected melodic turns, while Levy contributes sunny tenor solos in the manner of a straightened-out Joe Henderson and adds an extra dimension to the arrangements with his flute.”
- Nate Dorward – Cadence

Reviews AMAZON RIVER

“When the great wordsmith in the sky invented the word “gorgeous” She might have been thinking of this album, a celebration of all that is lovely about Brazilian music …Meurkens is today regarded as a soul brother by many of Brazil’s leading musicians….Meurkens' playing is a revelation: lyrical, expressive, and more harmonically adventurous than a casual listening might suggest...49 minutes rarely pass so quickly….every track is a little masterpiece.” - Chris May - AllAboutJazz

“Sehnsucht, a German word referring to life-longing, a bittersweet aching of the heart, characterizes much great Brazilian music. Hendrik Meurkens, born in Hamburg and based in New York, handily taps into that emotion on “Amazon River”. It’s an impressive demonstration of Meurkens’ harmonica fluency… Meurkens and Castro-Neves duet on a gorgeous reading of “Sem Voçe”, perhaps the most affecting piece on the CD. Meurkens gets a chance to show off his chops to a greater degree on a trio of original tunes built on bubbling choro rhythms, including “Lingua de Mosquito” and “The Peach”, both showcases for Paquito D’Rivera’s high-flying clarinet work. No voyage into Brazilian music is complete without a samba, and Meurkens caps the set with a real delight, digging into Jobim’s “Piano na Mangueira”, allowing pianist Helio Alves to do the same and then dropping out to let drums, percussion and guitars groove to the end.” - Philip Booth – Downbeat 3/2006 ***1/2

“German-born harmonica player Hendrik Meurkens has had a love affair with Brazil - where he took residence in the early 80s - for years, and his new CD, "Amazon River" is evidence of that. In this amazing jazz release, he is joined by Dori Caymmi, Oscar Castro-Neves (who produced the recording), and other Brazilian musicians in a blend of original songs and personal renditions of tunes by Jobim, Oscar Castro-Neves and others. The beautiful title track, with the harrowing vocals and guitar by Caymmi are reason enough to buy the album in the first place. Just Castro-Neves' guitar and Meurkens harmonica are enough in "Sem Você", a composition by Jobim.” - Ernest Barteldes - Coluna The Brasilians

“After taking up residence in Brazil and falling in love with the country's music, German jazz musician Hendrik Meurkens has become one of the most popular exponents of jazz-tinged samba and bossa nova and other popular Brazilian forms. On “Amazon River”, Hendrik is surrounded by a team of fine musicians, including guitarist Oscar Castro-Neves, clarinetist D'Rivera, pianist Helio Alves and bassist Nilson Matta. Hendrik's solos, be they on vibraphone or harmonica, are fluidly graceful and this set is an admirable example of his musical skills.” - Bruce Crowther – Swing2bop.com

"I've only heard a few jazz CDs that featured harmonica before... this one is a favorite after only 3 spins... Mr. Meurkens plays with real energy & I think the harmonica adds a somehow "familiar" touch that makes it easy for him to draw the listener "into his fold"... One of the best parts of the album (for me) is that Meurkens has so many originals on the release... 4 out of 11 cuts belong to him - "Mosquito Tongue" is my absolute favorite track on the album! Listeners who want to hear jazz with a different twist will fall in love with this CD immediately - I give it a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!" - Dick Metcafe - Jazz Improv

"While the influence of Toots Thielemans is immediately apparent, Hendrik Meurkens is already considered a master of the harmonica...Paquito D’Rivera’s clarinet and Meurkens’ harmonica turn “Lingua de Mosquito” into an album highlight. The song is a Meurkens composition. …Fans of Brazilian jazz will love this record..." - Richard Bourcier - Jazzreview

"…already a virtuoso on harmonica (and the first serious rival to Toots Thielemans on the instrument), he is in terrific form throughout this session…it is a delightful date from start to finish." - Ken Dryden - All Music Guide

"With a session of originals and established Brazilian songs, Hendrik Meurkens pays homage to the music that moves him. He soars high and low, swooping effortlessly around melodic fragments that belie the rustic impression of a land where no one has to hurry to get things done….He interprets Jobim's “Passarim” passionately with an emphasis on linear melodic lines that move gracefully up and down. Like the slow-moving river of Brazil and its lush green landscapes, he surrounds the motion of his harmonica with acoustic jazz timbres and gently rolling rhythms. Oscar Castro-Neves and Dori Caymmi provide heartfelt vocals to match the leader's interpretations. Another significant force on their quest for homage is the clarinet of Paquito D'Rivera, who captures an authentic folk atmosphere on several tracks. Together, they've captured the eclectic romance of Brazilian music. Playing both harmonica and vibraphone on “Ela é Carioca,” Meurkens expresses his sincere appreciation for the mood that Amazon River connotes. It's a relaxed setting with hearty mainstream jazz built right in." - Jim Santella - All About Jazz

“At first glance the harmonica may seem like an unlikely candidate for this style, but Meurkens’ performances are done with such authority and warmth that this seemingly disparate marriage works like a charm.” - James Lamparetta – The Saratogian