Usually when you think of piano and harmonica, images of Chicago blues stomps pop up. Here, with the chromatic harmonica in the hands of Hendrik Meurkins, suave a sensual melodies breeze by.
Pianist Roger Davidson brings up 15 original Brazilian melodies with his trio of Edardo Belo/b and Adriano Santos/dr along with Meurkens on both harmonica and vibes. On the latter, the mix of sweet chimes works on sambas “Comment Je T’aim” and linger together for “Saudades” while dancing on the festive “Onde Esta Sua Alma?”. Meurken’s harp is peppy on “My Love Is Only You” and debonair for the duet“Celia” with the two driving like stallions during “Samba De Alegria. Davidson spotlights his own charms on a solo “I Will Always Love You” and is always adroit for each succinct original. Tasty!
Meurkens teams with LA based pianist Bill Cunliffe for a mix of originals and covers, with the two creating rich and lyrical conversations. The two are cheery on the title track, as Meurkens hums out the melody, and he sighs to Cunliffe’s keys on his “Afternoon.” The two get impressionistic on Wayne Shorter’s “Miyako” and deliver an ominous mood to Bobbi Gentry’s “Ode to Billie Joe” while sleekly gliding on Tom Jobim’s “Wave.” Erudite topics well delivered.