Hendrik Meurkens is well known and well traveled as a virtuoso vibraphone and jazz harmonica artists - from Germany to New York, Brazil and quite often of late, Pittsburgh.
We caught up with Hendrik this week, recording a new release in the studio and performing at Con Alma, Downtown, Saturday night with drummer Reid Hoyson; Steve Rudolph, piano, Paul Thompson, bass, and John Shannon, guitar
That is just one of the highlights in what is unfolding as a triumphant return with more than 200 jazz performances slated each month in the summer ahead.
June also marks the return of Jazz at the Loading dock on Saturday June 4th at the Afro American Music Institute in Homewood - and we celebrate that with a performance by Dr. James Johnson III (piano), Calvin Stemley (sax) and the late Chuck Austin (flugelhorn).
We’ll also hear sounds from a new release by vocalist Laura Ferguson, music of Monk by trombonist Reggie Watkins with many Pittsburgh notables (David Throckmorton, Howie Alexander, Eric DeFade, Jamie Moore, Nathan Peck, James Johnson III, Rick Matt).
And we remember Pittsburgh trombonist Joe Dallas, Sr. who passed away this week.
We’ll also look into the jazz scene in Pittsburgh with Jazz Central - with many great riches to share.
The Scene - Thursday at 6pm, Friday and Saturday at noon, Sunday afternoon at 5.
Hendrik Meurkens
Pam Johnson and Dr. James Johnson, Jr., AAMI