Universe: Live - 2021 Danish Stunt label 9-track LP

They move through a universe with a mutual appreciation and love for drumming in all its many forms – from older, more traditional percussive roles to modern jazz and free improvisation, from groove music to rock music. And together, they create a universe in which their playing inspires, excites, impresses, and delights audiences and listeners.

When they first began performing together back in 2006, it was as a duo. The younger musician’s powerful drive met the more laid-back energy of the veteran, and despite their differences, the musical connection between the two created a fascinating listening experience for audiences. For the last decade, the drumming duo has been playing and touring with a larger group. The bigger band was initially formed for a concert at Skuespilhuset in Copenhagen in 2009, and continued to develop over many years and performances, since. This album is a collection of sounds and musical selections from five concerts between 2009 and 2018, an auditory collage with each element carefully chosen and now released for listeners everywhere to enjoy.

Alex Riel has played with pretty much everyone throughout the history of Jazz music in a legendary career that spans decades – along the way, developing and refining his famously original and responsive voice on the drums. He’s a fundamental figure in the Danish jazz story, not only contributing to the music in Denmark, but also playing a vital role in bands with European and American greats as well. He was performing with some of the latter in the 1960s during his time as the drummer in the house band at the famed Jazzhus Montmartre in Copenhagen. During that period, coryphaei like saxophonists Dexter Gordon and Ben Webster not only passed through the Nordic jazz haven, but were among the iconic American instrumentalists who relocated to the city.

1. Intro

2. Adonis Has Landed

3. Better Get Hit In Your Soul

4. Bless You / Long Before I Was Born

5. P.A. Duo / Fela / Ultimate Tears

6. Drumheads / Endangered Beat

7. Byen Vågner

8. Smile.