Musicians: Hendrik Meurkens (harmonica, vibraphone), Rodrige Ursala (tenor saxophone, flute), Jed Levy (tenor saxophone, flute), Helio Alves (piano), Ian MacDonald (piano), Pedro Ramos (cavaquinho), Gustavo Amarante (bass), Adriano Santos (drums), Maurizio Zottarelli (drums), Duduka de Fonseca (drums)
Review:
Hendrik Meurkens's has a winner in his energetic, expressive CD, Sambatropolis. Every performance is topnotch, and Meurkens shares his jazz harmonica revelations in a fine, solid Brazilian approach. This is Meurkens at his finest.
The talented performers with him give intriguing solo performances and create great harmony as a group. The group is perfectly suited to this outpouring of Brazilian-flavored jazz sounds.
Although many of these fine songs are written by Hendrik Meurkens, there is also included the song, "Fotografia" by Jobim. Those who like the compositions and performances of Meurkens will definitely want to purchase this fine collection. This is also an ideal jazz collection CD to request your local librarian to order for library jazz patrons!
There are eleven songs in the collection. Among them are found such innovative gems as "Sambatropolis," "Nem La Nem Ca," "Ocean Lights," "The Bee," "Fotografia," "Hot and Stuffy," "Voce Vai Ver," "You Don't Know What Love Is," "Choro Da Neve," "A Summer in San Francisco," and "Bernie's Tune." Meurkens' original jazz composition, "A Summer in San Francisco," certainly reminded me of the times I visited this city and I feel sure it will bring back many pleasant memories to other jazz listeners who have visited this city.
There are many things which make this CD collection work, and succeed. Among them, great team work and solo performances, highly imaginative jazz compositions with a distinct Brazilian approach, and the presence of the harmonica of Hendrik Meurkens.
If you are searching for an excellent CD collection to finish out the summer with, this is one of a kind and a classic in the making. Sambatropolis is a memorable listening experience in more ways than one!
Tracks: Sambatropolis, Nem La Nem Ca, Ocean Lights, The Bee, Fotografia, Hot And Stuffy, Voce Vai Ver, You Don't Know What Love Is, Choro da Neve, A Summer in San Francisco, Bernie's Tune
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