PAPATAMUS REDUX

CELLAR MUSIC (RELEASED MARCH 20, 2026)

After reviewing several recordings with strong personal agendas (Willy Rodriguez’s reflections on grief, Brian Landrus’ thoughts on the unexpected nature of life and Javier Nero’s dive into his diasporic roots), it’s refreshing to enjoy a recording with a simple and uplifting agenda. As Hendrik Meurkens explains — my mission is to create music of great beauty. On Samba Tonto, Meurkens returns to the genre and instrument that set him off on his musical journey. Having recorded more bop-oriented sessions in the past several years, Meurkens immerses himself in the music of Brazil which he recorded extensively earlier in his career after living in that county in the 1980s. Rather than focusing exclusively on his chromatic harmonica, an instrument he took up after hearing Toots Thielemans, Samba Tonto reminds us of Meurkens  exceptional skills as a vibraphonist, the instrument he studied at Berklee College of Music. Joining Meurkens on Samba Tonto are legendary Brazilian percussionist Portinho, trombonist Justus Heher, flutist Laura Dreyer and longtime musical associates pianist Misha Tsiganov and bassist Eduardo Belo. Together, they create infectious, joyful and lyrical music ranging from originals to Brazilian classics, the music of Michel Legrand to a nod to the Great American Songbook. Meurkens blends the sensual sound of his harmonica with the velvety smooth sound of Heher’s trombone on Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “Surf Board,” the Brazilian standard “Bye Bye Brasil” and Joao Donato’s “Know It All.” Just as unique is the blend of harmonica with the airy and flowing tones of Dreyer’s flute on the twisty melody of Meurken’s “Chorinho for Nico” and his playful “Choro em Casa.” Meurken’s shimmering and fluid vibraphone artistry is showcased on the upbeat “Herb’s Samba” and the soothing ballad “A Lullaby for Benny,” on which Tsiganov provides a string background on the Fender Rhodes. Meurken’s harmonica playing is in full bloom on ballads such as Rodgers and Hart’s “My Romance” and Legand’s “The Summer Knows.” Whatever the mood, Portinho’s expertise of Brazilian rhythms and Belo’s strong bass lines add just the right touch to Samba Tonto. In the end, Meurkens achieved his mission — to create music of great beauty, and it’s the  perfect soundtrack for the spring and summer seasons!

BOTTOM LINE: The Spanish word “tonto”means silly. Although there is nothing silly about Hendrik Meurkens’ Samba Tonto, the infectious, joyful and lyrical music performed by Meurkens on vibraphone and harmonica with a band that includes legendary Brazilian percussionist Portinho will certainly put a smile on your face.