Over the course of five decades, Alex Riel has played with the greatest names in jazz and made an international name for himself as one of the world’s most prominent drummers. Both at home and abroad he is considered a bit of a living legend.

One thing many people notice when they hear Alex today is that, in spite of his age, he still performs with an unbelievable amount of playfulness, presence and talent for improvisation, and never falls into a routine. In addition, his drumming is characterized by being particularly melodic, whether it be a fiery drum solo or a subdued display of brushwork.

Over the years Alex Riel has played and recorded with an impressive number of fine jazz musicians representing both the traditional and the modern way. His very first impression of jazz drumming was that of Big Sid Catlett and Zutty Zingleton and this early influence is still perceptible in his playing. So is the influence of Danish drummer William Schiöpffe, who played a central role on the European jazz scene of the sixties.

However Riel’s appearance with musicians such as Wayne Shorter, Freddie Hubbard, Jackie McLean, Archie Shepp, Dizzy Gillespie, Michel Petrucciani, Gary Burton, John Scofield and David Sanborn has made him widely known as an outstanding modern drummer taking up the styles of Elvin Jones, Roy Haynes and Tony Williams.

Cowbell Music releases:

Alex Riel Quartet – Riel Time (2008)
Jerry Bergonzi (tenor sax)
Kenny Werner (piano)
Jesper Lundgaard (bass)
Alex Riel (drums)

Alex Riel Trio – Get Riel (2008)
Kenny Werner (piano)
Pierre Boussaguet (bass)
Alex Riel (drums)

Alex Riel Quartet & Charlie Mariano – Live At Stars (2008)
Alex Riel (drums)
Charlie Mariano (alto sax)
Jacob Karlzon (piano)
Jesper Lundgaard (bass)

Alex Riel Trio – The High And The Mighty (2005)
Heine Hansen (piano)
Jesper Lundgaard (bass)
Alex Riel (drums)

Alex Riel Trio – What Happened? (2004)
Alex Riel (drums)
Heine Hansen (piano)
Jesper Lundgaard (bass)

Booking contact:
Mathilde Lunderskov
Mail: booking@cowbellmusic.dk
Mobil: +45 2575 0295
Office: +45 7026 0807