Jazz Vespers: Hendrik Meurkens and Steve Ash

About Hendrik Meurkens:

Jazz harmonica virtuoso, vibraphonist and composer Hendrik Meurkens began his career in Germany playing vibes. At 19, he heard Toots Thielemans play harmonica, which totally changed his musical life. His career has taken him from Brazil to Germany, then throughout the European continent where he became a pivotal force on the studio and jazz scene, performing, composing, recording, and touring extensively with his own ensembles as well as with visiting legends Harry Sweets Edison and Buddy Tate. In 1989, he returned to Brazil to record his first album as a leader, "Samba Importado". In 1992, a trip to California led to his signing with the Concord label, and the resulting six recordings established him as the first major new voice on the harmonica since Toots Thielemans and as a vibes player in the mainstream tradition. He moved to New York in 1992 where he has lived ever since. His 30 CDs have received rave reviews and strong airplay, and established his immediately recognizable style of Brazilian Jazz. In 2014 he won the Brazilian International Press Award. Critics and the jazz listening public alike have recognized Meurkens' incredible talent, listing him repeatedly in the Downbeat and Jazziz Polls. Meurkens has recorded and performed with Ray Brown, Paquito D'Rivera, Oscar Castro-Neves, Herb Ellis, Herbie Mann, James Moody, Charlie Byrd, Jimmy Cobb, Ivan Lins, Monty Alexander, Manfredo Fest, Herb Ellis, Dori Caymmi, Toninho Horta, Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Buddy Tate, Joyce, Astrud Gilberto, Roberto Menescal, Antonio Adolfo, Emilio Santiago, and many others.

About Steve Ash:

Steve Ash one of New York City’s most in demand jazz pianists, originally hailing from Pittsburgh, PA, he has been mesmerizing audiences for over 40 years with his exceptional talent and passion for jazz. Steve's musical journey began at 8 years old, with classical piano lessons. Inspired by his older brother to play by ear, he later refined his skills more formally at Indiana University, earning a bachelor's degree in Jazz Piano. Over his illustrious career, Steve has played with an impressive roster of jazz legends, including Frank Wess, Jon Hendricks, Kurt Elling, Lew Tabackin, Chuck Israels, Sheila Jordan, Jimmy Cobb, Louis Hayes, Eddie Harris, Warren Vaché, Harry Allen, Joe Magnarelli, Annie Ross, Mel Lewis, and Vernell Fournier.

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