Hendrik Meurkens Manhattan Samba

Hendrik Meurkens
Manhattan Samba
Height Advantage

The harmonica wizard Hendrik Meurkens has undoubtedly displayed the skills that have some to label him as the successor to Toots Thielemans, He is best known for his efforts in Brazilian jazz, and that is what is featured on this his release. Hendrik describes this release, "'Manhattan Samba' is a samba jazz journey that introduces some new compositions of mine, revisits a few trusted older ones and features songs by the Brazilian masters Ivan Lins, Toninho Horta and of course Mestre Tom Jobim. The band consists of the fantastic Helio Alves on piano; two great bass players, Gustavo Amarante and Fernando Huergo; and on drums the legendary Portinho, who is one of the founding fathers of samba jazz drumming in the US."

"Manhattan Samba" is a marvelous recording of Meurkens harmonica playing backed by his first-rate band. The album opens with the breezy "Clear of Clouds," with Meurkens horn-like phrasing flying over the clean, crisp Brazilian tempo. More of the same lively samba groove follows on the exhilarating title track. As a composer, Meurkens writes  very memorable melodies, such as the enchanting "One For Manfredo." In addition to the leader's adept harmonica, pianist Alves scintillates. Equally infectious is "Frenzelosa (Choro No. 2)," on which Portinho dazzles with his cymbal work in support of sterling solos by Alves and Meurkens. The exchanges between them are hypnotic. Huergo is the bassist on the lovely interpretation of the Ivan Lins and Vitor Martins composition "Dona Palmeira." Another lovely selection is the wistful rendition of "Bonita" from Jobim, Gilbert and Lees.

Meurkens' latest is a joy for lovers of jazz harmonica and Brazilian jazz. With an outstanding band and a strong musical program, "Manhattan Samba" is a musical delicacy well worth sampling.

I received a download to review from a publicist. This review originally appeared in the January-February 2021 Jazz & Blues Report (Issue 394). I have made a couple minor edits and corrections. Here is Hendrik Meurkens performing "Bonita."