Blues & Ballads (CD)

Led by the legendary Charlie Mariano and Benjamin Koppel, the album Blues & Ballads reaches back into the history of classic jazz, a genre that Mariano has perfected since the 1950s as the steadfast saxophonist in ensembles led by, among others, Charlie Mingus. Here, form and content come together within a framework of pure jazz and authentic jazz compositions, all except one, written by Benjamin Koppel. Although the tones and improvisations venture beyond conventions, the format remains
classically structured with the interplay between two saxophones and a jazz trio. Joining the trio is one of the world's leading drummers, the Danish award-winning Alex Riel, who this year celebrates his 50th anniversary.

Benjamin Koppel - alto sax

Charlie Mariano - alto sax

Jacob Karlzon - piano

Jesper Lundgaard - double bass

Alex Riel - drums