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Hendrik Meurkens: The Jazz Meurkengers
ByToots Thielemans
harmonica1922 - 2016
With that in mind, Meurkens assembles a group of players known for their affinity to the swing. As he states, "Those are the guys who I call first for straight-ahead jazz because they are masters of this style, the hard bop

Wynton Kelly
piano1931 - 1971

Wes Montgomery
guitar1923 - 1968

Jimmy Cobb
drums1929 - 2020

Ed Cherry
guitarb.1954

Nick Hempton
saxophone, altob.1976

Steve Ash
piano
Chris Berger
bass
Andy Watson
drumsOn tap here are nine toe-tapping tracks including three of five originals starting with "A Slow One," where there's nothing slow but the title followed by the "Belgian Beer at Dawn" a contrafact of the standard "Stella by Starlight" featuring a slight new melody. "A Lullaby for Benny" is the first warm ballad of the disc penned for Meurkens' grandson.

Horace Silver
piano1928 - 2014
" Meurks' Mood" stays firmly within the swinging theme of the project highlighting a fresh new melody whereas the

Henry Mancini
composer / conductor1924 - 1994

Miles Davis
trumpet1926 - 1991
Meurkens pays homage to harmonica great Toots Thielmans with his original "A Tear for Toots," the last ballad-like track of the session showcasing the bassist and drummer in a respectful groove that Toots would probably be very happy with. The lesser-known Ellington/ Strayhorn collaboration of "Smada" brings the music to a perky end and ends with a feeling of wanting to hear more. What is certain is that more will be coming as per the notes of the album, but the next recording will feature Meurkens on the vibes. Till then, listening to repeated spins of The Jazz Meurkengers will have to do and that's not bad at all. ">
Track Listing
A Slow One; Belgian Beer At Dawn; A Lullaby For Benny; Silver's Serenade; Meurks' Mood; Dreamsville; If I Were A Bell; A Tear For Toots; Smada.
Personnel
Hendrik Meurkens
harmonicaEd Cherry
guitarNick Hampton
saxophone, tenorSteve Ash
pianoChris Berger
bassAndy Watson
drumsAlbum information
Title: The Jazz Meurkengers | Year Released: 2024 | Record Label: Cellar Music Group
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