Hendrik Meurkens - Clear Of Clouds (1992)

Hendrik Meurkens, who has the unusual double of harmonica and vibes, is featured with two different groups on this enjoyable CD. Six of the 11 selections were cut in Rio de Janeiro with the underrated trumpeter Claudio Roditi and a spirited Brazilian rhythm section, while the other five (also Brazilian-oriented) features Meurkens' regular band (which includes Mack Godsbury on soprano and flute) from a Berlin session. Meurkens, who has an appealing sound on harmonica (his strongest instrument), contributed six of the numbers, which blend well with such bossa standards as "Mambo Inn," "Estate" and "No More Blues." The music is pleasing, swinging, and finds the key soloists in fine form.~© Scott Yanow /TiVo