A two-mallet player in the tradition of Milt Jackson and Bobby Hutcherson, Hendrik Meurkens was en-route to being an instantly recognizable vibraphonist when he heard Toots Thielemans. Inspired by the sound of Thielemans' harmonica, he taught himself the difficult-to-master instrument.
Hendrik Meurkens' other life-changing musical experience was his introduction to samba and bossa nova. He was so moved by Brazilian music that, after perfecting his unique musical voice at Berklee as a vibraphone major, he moved to Rio in the early 1980s to totally immerse himself in the music and culture of Brazil.
A regular Monday night gig at the popular Rio club, Bar 21, soon demonstrated his acceptance by Brazilian musicians. Meurkens’ poignant, emotionally affecting harmonica proved to be a sound that Brazilians strongly embraced and, during his Rio days, he met many musicians who later became collaborators in both Europe and New York.
Back in Germany by 1983, he became a respected studio musician, recording with European Radio Orchestras and leading his own groups, as well as accompanying visiting legends like Harry ‘Sweets’ Edison and Buddy Tate. Within ten years he had established himself as the "new jazz harmonica voice" and moved to New York, thanks to an exclusive contract with the prestigious label Concord Records. He has since recorded fifteen albums, and continues to perform as both a guest artist and with his own groups, both in festivals and clubs globally.
Hendrik Meurkens’ profound involvement in both jazz and Brazilian music has resulted in a very personal and instantly recognizable version of Samba jazz. This music, a cross-cultural amalgam guaranteed to touch the heart, features his harmonica and vibes along with piano, bass and drums, playing his stirring originals and arrangements. The group has been documented on a number of CDs, most notably the Hendrik Meurkens desert island disc, October Colors.
As a featured artist, he has recorded with Charlie Byrd, Jimmy Cobb, Ivan Lins, Monty Alexander, Claudio Roditi, Manfredo Fest and Mundell Lowe, as well as backing such leading artists as Astrid Gilberto and Olivia Newton John and touring with the Ray Brown Trio, Paquito D'Rivera, Oscar Castro Neves, Herb Ellis, Herbie Mann, Charlie Byrd, and James Moody among many others.
As a respected instrumentalist on four continents, the emotional context of Meurkens' music transcends all musical barriers. Hendrik's new CD, Sambatropolis, has been released by Zoho Music. It is an exhilaratingly lively Latin jazz mix of contemporary Brazilian sambas and chorinhos, spiced with virtuosic North American bebop. Also a successful composer (his compositions have been recorded by other artists and featured in the Hollywood movie "Dolores Claiborne"), Hendrik Meurkens remains equally at home playing jazz or Brazilian music. "My mission is simple," he explains. "I want to create music of great beauty.”
Sophisticated Lady
Hendrik Meurkens Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just because you're caught in your social maze
I think it's 'bout time that you realize
Your money and your power's got you mesmerized
Pretty lady, get back
Pretty lady, yea
Sophisticated lady put your blue jeans on
Educated lady with your college degree
Amazes me why you just can't see
Learned everything from your books on the shelf
But no one ever taught you how to think for yourself
Pretty lady, get back
Pretty lady, yea, sweet thing
Sophisticated lady put your blue jeans on
You're anybody's baby when your mama's gone
Sophisticated lady take a lesson from me
I can help you be what you want to be
Together we'll see many brighter days
If it takes forever, gonna change your ways
Pretty lady, get back
Pretty lady, yea, sweet thing
Sophisticated lady put your blue jeans on
You're anybody's baby when your mama's gone
Sophisticated lady put your blue jeans on
You're anybody's baby when your mama's gone
Sophisticated lady put your blue jeans on
You're anybody's baby when your mama's gone
In Hendrik Meurkens's song "Sophisticated Lady," the lyrics speak to a woman who is caught up in her status, power and money, and how it has blinded her to the importance of independence and individuality. The first verse speaks directly to this, as the singer tells her that she is caught in a social maze and needs to realize that her power has mesmerized her. The second verse speaks to the woman's education, and how it is admirable on paper but doesn't necessarily translate to a strong sense of self. She has learned many things from books, but nobody taught her how to think for herself.
Line by Line Meaning
Sophisticated lady tryin' to change my ways
The person is facing pressure from a sophisticated woman to alter their behavior.
Just because you're caught in your social maze
The sophisticated lady is trapped in a complex social world.
I think it's 'bout time that you realize
The person believes that the sophisticated lady should come to a realization.
Your money and your power's got you mesmerized
The sophisticated lady is consumed by wealth and influence.
Educated lady with your college degree
The sophisticated lady has a high level of education.
Amazes me why you just can't see
The person is surprised that despite her education, the sophisticated lady is unable to see the truth.
Learned everything from your books on the shelf
The sophisticated lady gained knowledge solely from her academic studies.
But no one ever taught you how to think for yourself
The sophisticated lady lacks the ability to think independently.
Sophisticated lady take a lesson from me
The person offers to impart knowledge to the sophisticated lady.
I can help you be what you want to be
The person offers to assist the sophisticated lady in achieving her goals.
Together we'll see many brighter days
Both the person and the sophisticated lady will experience a positive future if they work together.
If it takes forever, gonna change your ways
The person is determined to make the sophisticated lady change her behavior, even if it takes a long time.
Sophisticated lady put your blue jeans on
The person suggests that the sophisticated lady should embrace a more casual and down-to-earth way of life.
You're anybody's baby when your mama's gone
The sophisticated lady is vulnerable and in need of protection when her usual sources of support are absent.
Pretty lady, get back
A warning to the sophisticated lady to be cautious in her behavior.
Pretty lady, yea, sweet thing
A term of endearment for the sophisticated lady.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Edward Kennedy Ellington, Irving Mills, Mitchell Parish
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Bobcat 55
So familiar story, but who could imagine that it can be told in such totally unexpected way... Hendrik could. So melancholic yet so beautiful. It can melt a rock...
Hendrik Meurkens
Thank you for the kind words!
xxxxharp
Once again Herr Meurkens displays the sensitivity, the tone and chops of a real Master of Chromatic Harmonica !!
Guto Santana
Very nice sound, Hendrik! As usual! Is the chromonica again here?
Hendrik Meurkens
Thank you, Guto. Yes, it is a Hohner 270 Chromatic. That is what I always play.
Marcos Cabrera
what a great record!
Hendrik Meurkens
Thank you, Marcos!
Dov Landzbaum
Tnx for the music, Maestro!