Riel Time (CD)

There’s something very unique about the musical chemistry between Bergonzi, Werner, Lundgaard and Riel. When These guys go on stage it’s like watching little boys hooking up with their best playmates. bursting with energy and mischievousness. Their enthusiasm and fondness of each other is reflected in the music: they tease each other, they take chances, they have fun, they shine … but no matter how great a virtuoso each of them is on their instrument they always play as a unified whole. 

Alex Riel has had the privilege to work and record with some of the greatest names in jazz history - from Bill Evans to Dexter Gordon to Freddie Hubbard. The list is almost endless (check his website!). He has been collaborating countless times on stage and in the studio with his long-time friend Jesper Lundgaard, one of the legendary Danish bass aves - and one of Alex’s own first choices when it comes to bass players. 

Jerry Bergonzi has appeared on no less than four previous releases in Alex’s name. On a couple of them Gonz even teamed up with the late Michael Brecker. Jerry Bergonzi is still one of the contemporary sax players whom Alex admires the most - for his personal sound, his rhythmical energy and his powerful playing. Here’s someone who can “put a bomb under the drummer”!

Like Bergonzi, Kenny Werner also appears on four other Alex Riel releases. In fact a brand new trio CD “Get Riel” (Cowbell 2008) is being released at the same time as this one. Both recordings demonstrate brilliantly why Alex still regards Werner as one of his favorite piano players. Just listen!

Jerry Bergonzi - tenor sax

Kenny Werner - piano

Jesper Lundgaard - bass

Alex Riel - drums 

Recorded live at Copenhagen Jazzhouse 

#Cowbell ApS 2008