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Alex Riel Trio - The High and the Mighty (CD)

Alex Riel Trio - The High and the Mighty (CD)

109,00 DKK
109,00 DKK
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In 1954 John Wayne starred in a movie called “The High And The Mighty” about a commercial airliner that develops engine problems on a trans-Pacific flight. Wayne plays the part of a washed-up co-pilot. Wayne’s character has to bring the plane in safely, when the pilot loses his nerve. I watched that movie many years ago and found it great! However, what made the biggest impression on me was the final scene where Wayne leaves the plane whistling the theme song.
That beautiful little melody would continue to play in my head over the ensuing years. And so it was a wonderful surprise for me to hear bassist Jaco Pastorius play it as his solo act at a Weather Report concert many years later.
I’ve always looked for the opportunity to record it myself and therefore it’s with great pleasure I now include it on my new trio-recording. Jesper’s and Heine’s melodic playing certainly pays homage to the original tune!

Since this tune holds a special place in my heart, I found it right to name the new trio-recording after it. It was an added pleasure to be allowed to present a photo from the set of the movie on the CD’s front cover.

I think it’s fair to say that the appreciation of a good MELODY is what characterizes my trio more than anything. This may come as a surprise to some since I am after all, a drummer! The thing is, that in my career I’ve had the honour to play with a lot of great artists including sax player Ben Webster and pianist Bill Evans, for whom the communication of the melody meant everything. Their respect for and sense of the melody made a huge impression on my whole perception of playing music - especially as a drummer.

So, as much as I like to make a lot of noise sometimes, I also love to explore the drum kit as a melodic instrument. I want my drums to sing to me. And sometimes whistle ...
It’s about finding that fine balance between exploring and challenging the melody and yet, let it speak for itself. I hope the melodies on this CD shine through.
- Alex Riel
Alex Riel - drums
Heine Hansen - piano 
Jesper Lundgaard - bass
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