Search - Hendrik Meurkens :: Slidin

How Many Ways Can You Say Great?

Robert J. Ament | Ballwin, MO United States | 05/26/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I cannot tell Hendrik Meurkens' harmonica playing from that of Toots Thielemans......not because the younger player imitates the master......but because my ears tell me he's that good! I may be able to guess from the selection of the music but I wouldn't wager on my guess.This is a real solid quartet outing that offers standards and originals mixing the tempos but always in a pleasing bop venue.The amazing thing is the consistent excellent playing achieved throughout while both piano and bass players appear on about half the tracks. The music isn't compromised a bit whether it's Dado Moroni or Mark Soskin on piano or David Finck or Harvie Swartz on bass. The cd opens with a couple of standards preceding the title track which is a pleasing Meuerkins original, both with the melody and the blend of harmonica, piano and guitar. There are a few more compositions by Meurkins, two by Mark Soskins, and another standard by Cole Porter.Outside of the title track, my own personal favorites are Oliver Nelson's "Stolen Moments" and Kenny Barron's "Voyage". Since each of these tunes has different personnel, as mentioned above, the proof of excellence throughout is in the listening.There are a lot of quartet jazz albums around and many of them are very good but I can't think of many that feature a bop setting with harmonica and a very interactive rhythm section. This one merits being in anyone's collection."