Alex Riel

Alex Riel & Stefan Pasborg, Universe Live, features both drummers along with Palle Mikkelborg and Annisette, as well as Thomas Vang on bass, Dan Hemmer on organ, Marilyn Mazur and Birgit Løkke on percussion, and Dawda Jobarteh on kora. The music unfolds itself into the far corners of the Universe they’ve created in a repertoire that includes free improvisations, intense grooves, and arrangements that explore material written by Palle Mikkelborg, Charles Mingus, Thomas Koppel, and Charlie Chaplin, among others.

For this project, Alex Riel and Stefan Pasborg tuned their drums so that the sounds and pitches from each kit wouldn’t interfere with the other. Stefan’s drum set is tuned lower and deeper than Alex’s, or in other words: Pasborg’s drums sound more rock-like, and Riel’s more jazz-like. This helps allow listeners distinguish one from the other, for additional layers and levels of enjoyment.

PERSONNEL:

• Alex Riel (drums, percussion)
• Stefan Pasborg (drums, percussion)
• Annisette (vocals)
• Palle Mikkelborg (trumpet)
• Dawda Jobateh (kora)
• Niclas Knudsen (guitar)
• Jeppe Tuxen, Dan Hemmer (Hammond B3)
• Thomas Vang (bass)
• Marilyn Mazur (percussion)
• Birgit Løkke (santur, flute)

TRACKS:

• 01 Intro
• 02 Adonis Has Landed
• 03 Better Get Hit in Your Soul
• 04 Bless You
• 05 Long Before I Was Born
• 06 Medley: P.a. Duo / Fela / Ultimate Tears
• 07 Medley: Drumheads / Endangered Beat
• 08 Byen Va°gner
• 09 Smile