Herb Ellis is heard in performance in two separate German nightclubs during a 1998 tour of Europe, accompanied by harmonica player
Hendrik Meurkens, young bassist Chris Berger, and drummer
Chuck Redd. The seasoned guitarist is in top form, with
Meurkens proving to be a good foil for him, though the latter man also proves himself to be a virtuoso on his instrument (comparable to
Toots Thielemans). The selections primarily stick to standards, include a smoking interpretation of "Oh, Lady Be Good" and a fluid take of "Limehouse Blues," along with a funky, strutting rendition of "What Is This Thing Called Love?"
Meurkens switches to vibes for the one bossa nova track ("Wave"). They have plenty of fun dashing through "The Flintstones," though they eschew the almost mandatory chant of "Yabba Dabba Doo!," possibly to avoid sounding a bit too corny. Recommended. ~ Ken Dryden