- Worldlines from Hendrik Meurkens: I'LL TAKE YOU THERE! ▶
Hendrik Meurkens
Hendrik Meurkens is within steps of everybody else in here, artists mutually reachable and discoverable by anybody anywhere on the planet per the same seemingly miraculous small-world principle which dictates that there are between most human beings on earth 6 or fewer degrees of separation.
The matrix was developed a record shop in Bahia, Brazil, mindful that when all artists can be steps away, the Brazilians can be too.
ma·trix /ˈmātriks - originally "source", from "mater", Latin for "mother". We're real mothers for ya!
Who's taking you???
- Outgoing curation by: The Matrix
Who I Am & Where I Live
- Name: Hendrik Meurkens
- City: New York City
- Country: United States
My Life & Work
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Bio:
Hendrik Meurkens’ other life-changing musical experience was his introduction to samba and bossa nova. He was so moved by Brazilian music that after perfecting his unique musical voice at Berklee, as a vibraphone major, he moved to Rio in the early 80s to totally immerse himself in music and culture of Brazil.
A regular Monday night gig at the popular Rio club, Bar 21, soon demonstrated his acceptance by Brazilian musicians. Meurkens’ poignant, emotionally affecting harmonica proved to be a sound that Brazilians strongly embraced, and during his Rio days, he met many musicians who later became collaborators in both Europe and New York.
Back in Germany by ’83, he became a respected studio musician, recording with European Radio Orchestras and leading his own groups, as well as accompanying visiting legends like Harry ‘Sweets’ Edison and Buddy Tate.
Within ten years, he had established himself as the “new jazz harmonica voice,” and moved to New York, thanks to an exclusive contract with the prestigious label, Concord Records. He has since recorded fifteen albums, and continues to perform as both a guest artist, and with his own groups, both in festivals and clubs globally.
Hendrik Meurkens’ profound involvement in both jazz and Brazilian music resulted in a very personal and instantly recognizable version of Samba jazz. This music, a cross-cultural amalgam guaranteed to touch the heart, features his harmonica and vibes along with piano, bass and drums, playing his stirring originals and arrangements. The group has been documented on a number of CDs, most notably the Hendrik Meurkens desert island disc, October Colors.
As a featured artist, he has recorded with Charlie Byrd, Jimmy Cobb, Ivan Lins, Monty Alexander, Claudio Roditi, Manfredo Fest and Mundell Lowe, as well as backing such leading artists as Astrid Gilberto and Olivia Newton John and touring with the Ray Brown Trio, Paquito D’Rivera, Oscar Castro Neves, Herb Ellis, Herbie Mann, Charlie Byrd, and James Moody among many others.
Also a successful composer (his compositions have been recorded by other artists and featured in the Hollywood movie, “Dolores Claiborne,”) Hendrik Meurkens remains equally at home playing jazz or Brazilian music. “My mission is simple,” he explains. “I want to create music of great beauty.”
Like any great musician, Hendrik Meurkens still practices incessantly, yet his music remains very melodic and rhythmically pleasing. “I like beautiful music, Sinatra, Jobim, Charlie Parker, so I concentrate on playing things that the audience can enjoy. Complicated music doesn’t really mean anything except for professionals who want to analyze it. I want people to feel what I do and the best way to do that is to play something touches their hearts.”
My Media
- ▶ YouTube Music: http://music.youtube.com/channel/UCpVyfKdpLovFa1_zkIAC45A
- ▶ Instagram: hendrikmeurkens
Click to Listen on Spotify
- ▶ (Album/Podcast 1): http://open.spotify.com/album/0Deu3BAHRgeGGQnT9WLeAu
- ▶ (Album/Podcast 2): http://open.spotify.com/album/1kEs0qrzFLQotK4UR5hq8J
- ▶ (Album/Podcast 3): http://open.spotify.com/album/3l8EToCVjxmkB70vwXxyFk
- ▶ (Album/Podcast 4): http://open.spotify.com/album/5tWFrLgUpCg8J8e4mRXduO
- ▶ (Album/Podcast 5): http://open.spotify.com/album/4CE48wPdthPFRJoVhjOkMZ
- ▶ (Album/Podcast 6): http://open.spotify.com/album/3Lth1LYAHz114Sp7hKkiWc
Contact Information
- Email: hendrik@hendrikmeurkens.com
More
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Quotes, Notes & Etc.
“…over the span of over two decades, Hendrik Meurkens (who also doubles on vibraphone) has become the de facto chromatic harmonica heir to Thielemans...”
- Doug Simpson, Audiophile Audition
