It’s difficult to appreciate the influence of Danish drummer Alex Riel on this side of the Atlantic, but since the 60s he’s been one of the most important guys behind the traps when Americans like Dexter Gordon, Paul Gonsalves, Don Byas, Archie Shepp and Kenny Dorham went over to play at the famous Montmarte Jazzhus and needed an acceptable local rhythm section. Now in his 70s, Riel is still steadily swinging, and is here caught in his natural habitat and holds the reins with a quartet that includes fellow hard boppers George Robert/as, Dado Moroni/p and Jesper Lundgaard/b for a hefty 70+ set of excellent music.
The live atmosphere is a perfect environment for hard driving material like the cooking “Just Friends” and rumbling “Impressions,” both which feature some passionate soloing by the exuberant Robert. The gracious “Body and Soul” and glistening “Old Folks” spotlight the band’s ability to keep it romantic as well, and Moroni’s piano here and on “Like Someone in Love” is wondrously impeccable. The bluesy groove on the closing Clifford Brown classic “Sandu” easily demonstrates why not only Riel’s drumming is one for the books, but why mainstream jazz is a sound that we’ll be listening to even once we pass through the pearly gates.
Storyville Records