On June 9, 2024, the music world lost Alex Riel, an icon in Danish music history and a vital part of the expansion of jazz music during a golden age of the genre. As a drummer, he was unique—playful, energetic, and a generational talent. He radiated an infectious joy and approached the drums, music, and the people around him with genuine enthusiasm and deep empathy. He was a pillar of Danish music and in the international jazz community.
Alex Riel held a special place in the hearts of many drummers, but none more so than Stefan Pasborg (b. 1974). As fate would have it, Riel became Pasborg's legal godfather, and music became a gateway to a magical universe of drums, cymbals, gongs, and a sea of percussion sounds they would explore together. Alex Riel was a steady and inspiring presence in Stefan's life for 50 years—with love, joy, humor, and music.
Stefan Pasborg is one of Denmark's most recognized and versatile drummers. With his energetic style and experimental approach to the drums, he has made his mark in jazz, avant-garde, and rock music, playing and recording with many Danish and international artists.
A few months ago, Pasborg found a handwritten list of Alex's favorite songs in the now departed drummer's handwriting. The sight of it touched Stefan profoundly, inspiring him to invite his trio, consisting of two more top Danish musicians, pianist Carsten Dahl and tenor saxophonist Fredrik Lundin, into the studio to record their versions of some of these songs. The goal was to capture the immediacy and spontaneity that always characterized the energy with Alex. The result this fabulous album.
Stefan Pasborg - drums & percussion; Carsten Dahl - piano; Fredrik Lundin - tenor saxophone.
1. Danny Boy
2. Somewhere Over The Rainbow
3. Smile
4. Idaho
5. In Another Way
6. Den Milde Dag Er Lis Og Lang (The Gentle Day Is Light And Long)
7. Moon River
8. Moppin' And Boppin'
9. Den Bla Anemone (The Blue Anemone)
10. When You Wish Upon A Star