One of the unlikely masters of modern samba has to be Hendrick Meurkens, who p lays the harmonica in a rich way with his team of Helio Alves/p, Gustavo Amarante-Fernando Huergo/b and the legendary drummer Portinho on this album that features chestnuts from the likes of Lins, Horta and Jobim.
The pulsations bounce with delight along with Meurkens’ chromatic harp on “Clear of Clouds” with Portinho supplying a snappy beat for Alves’ flowing solo on the buoyant title pieces. Alves gives some romance to the classical sounding “Dona Palmeira” and does a lovely bluesy duet with Meurkens on the gorgeous “Bonita”. The leader sighs with emotion on “Aquelas Coisas Todas” and gives an intricate line to the sizzling hi hat beat on “Frenzelosa (Choro No. 2)”. Effortless elegance.