Hendrik Meurkens – The Jazz Meurkengers
w/Ed Cherry; Nick Hempton; Steve Ash; Chris Berger; Andy Watson
Cellar Music CMR080824 (hendrikmeurkens.bandcamp.com)
There’s just something charming and captivating in the mellow, reedy timbre of the harmonica that instantly reels in the attention of the listener. Renowned harmonicist Hendrik Meurkens shows his incredible skills once again on his latest release. Not only does his very apparent love for the instrument shine through clearly, but his compositional talent is also showcased on several of the tracks. This record is also special because it is the debut of his new project “The Jazz Meurkengers,” featuring longtime musician friends such as Ed Cherry on guitar, Steve Ash on piano and Chris Berger on bass. Supported by a stellar band, the album is full of refreshing energy and creativity where each musician has the opportunity to show their talents.
What really makes this record unique and interesting is the mellow, sultry tone within the tunes. Achieving a completely smooth, connected sound from the harmonica is a truly tough endeavour; legendary Toots Thielmans and Meurkens are among a small group of jazz harmonicists that have ever been able to achieve that feat. Adding to the quiet energy and allure of the album are the pleasant riffs of Cherry and soaring saxophone melodies of Nick Hempton overlaying Andy Watson’s driving rhythms. The record also features a touching, bluesy tribute to Thielmans in A Tear for Toots, where the sadness felt for the loss of the celebrated musician is thoroughly expressed in Meurkens’ sorrowful harmonica line.
