Alex Riel here!

[OZjazzer]

We don't get a zillion great jazz drummers touring Australia but seeing and hearing Alex Riel as part of the Niels lan Doky trio backing the sensational Lisa Nilsson was a great privelage. This whole package was so much better than the very dissapointing (and somewhat indulgent) Dianna Krall tour earlier this year, and swung much much harder (wow was she ever missing a Hamilton or Erskine in the drum chair?)
With the Doky/Nilsson group it was great to hear see musos actually enjoying playing. Alex sounded fantastic on a borrowed kit with his own cymbals and snare. His excitement level was the thing that seems to be missing with a lot of the earnest young men coming out of the jazz courses these days. Fabulous! (There are 2 videos of him here).
Cymbals? I know he plays Paiste, but what are they, particularly the rides? The Paiste site lists him as an endorser but doesn't show his set-up. Does anyone know? His cymbal sound was marvelous. If you get the chance to hear this great player, don't hesitate.

Alex Riel page on DrummerWorld (http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Alex_Riel.html)

[Alex Riel]

We don't get a zillion great jazz drummers touring Australia but seeing and hearing Alex Riel as part of the Niels lan Doky trio backing the sensational Lisa Nilsson was a great privelage. This whole package was so much better than the very dissapointing (and somewhat indulgent) Dianna Krall tour earlier this year, and swung much much harder (wow was she ever missing a Hamilton or Erskine in the drum chair?)
With the Doky/Nilsson group it was great to hear see musos actually enjoying playing. Alex sounded fantastic on a borrowed kit with his own cymbals and snare. His excitement level was the thing that seems to be missing with a lot of the earnest young men coming out of the jazz courses these days. Fabulous! (There are 2 videos of him here).
Cymbals? I know he plays Paiste, but what are they, particularly the rides? The Paiste site lists him as an endorser but doesn't show his set-up. Does anyone know? His cymbal sound was marvelous. If you get the chance to hear this great player, don't hesitate.

Alex Riel page on DrummerWorld (http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Alex_Riel.html)

Hi OZjazzer

First of all thank you very much for your kind words. I'm very flattered!
I'm glad you appreciate Lisa Nilsson as well, cos in my book she's one of the best singers around. It's a great pleasure to accompany such a unique talent.

AND it was a wonderful experience to visit Australia too! My first time there, hope it's not the last. Loved the Aussies and their sense of humour!!!

Now, you ask what kind of cymbals I played at that gig:
20" flat ride Paiste Formula 602 with rivets
22" Paiste prototype (not in production)
20" Chinese crash ride
14" hi-hat Paiste Dimension Light

(btw it wasn't my snare)
I'm usually playing a Gretch kit ..

Best wishes
Alex (Riel)


........... Hello Bernhard!!!!!!!!!!!

[jazzgregg]

Here I was going to try and answer the questions about Alex and I scroll down and see that Alex did!!! Thanks Alex!

I'd also chime in and say that I really like your stuff Alex, particularly your solo cds, 'DSB Kino', 'Rielatin', 'UnRiel' and the Trio recording 'Emergence'. I first heard your playing on the Steeplechase Dexter Gordon recordings ( Cheese Cake, King Neptune,
Billie's Bounce, Love For Sale, It's You Or No One ) and have been hooked ever since.

I also second the motion that those of you who have not heard Alex, GO LISTEN. Always swinging, always musical and playing that is full of wit and intelligence. Not something that you find that much today, to my ears. Every time I hear something Alex has done, I too hear an excitement and joy that we should all try to capture!
Alex also has a really refined and musical way of playing with a bassist, in particular (at least my favourite pairings) Jesper Lundegaard, Mads Vinding and the late NHOP.

Alex's website: www.alexriel.dk

Alex, I have some other questions for you, if I can email or private message you, let me know.

Thanks,
Gregg

[Bernhard]

Hi Alex

So great to hear from you, my friend - what a pleasure!!!

To all Forum Members:

Alex is the great European Jazz Drummer - from Danemark. Played with Bill Evans, Ben Webster, Eddie Gomez and all the other Greats. I had the chance to meet him and his lovely wife Ane here in Switzerland. He even came down into my drum-room in my house - after dinner of course - tried out some drums and suddenly felt in love with one of my cymbals that I received from Michael Paiste himself - a flatride.

I had the idea, that this cymbal is in better hands with him and so he accepted my present. After some time I see a video with Alex - and he really played my cymbal on it.... the video is here:

http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/alexrielsolo.html

Again Alex and Ane, take care and hopefully see you very soon again in Switzerland...

Bernhard

[theduke86]

Mr. Riel- You sound fantastic... You should come and do a Canadian tour! We'd love to have you- you're a remarkable jazz drummer.

[Alex Riel]

Hello Gregg,
Thank you to you too for the compliments. It's always so nice to hear when people outside this tiny spot called Denmark are aware of your work. Makes me very proud, thanks! Good to see that my records made it all the way to Canada!
As for Dexter I can only say it was an honour to work with this man. He was the one who taught me how to play a ballad (he would actually call me up in the middle of the night to teach me!!!)

The three bass players you mention are my absolute favorites too. And of course I love playing with Eddie Gomez. And Bo Stief (another Dane). I'll miss NHOP for sure!

Feel free to email or pm me (but be patient cos it may be a few days before I'm online again)

Best wishes
Alex



Hey Mr. Duke
Great to hear from you too. I would LOVE to come to Canada again. Maybe with my new trio ... we'll see! Thanks.

Best wishes
Alex

[Alex Riel]

Hi Alex

So great to hear from you, my friend - what a pleasure!!!

To all Forum Members:

Alex is the great European Jazz Drummer - from Danemark. Played with Bill Evans, Ben Webster, Eddie Gomez and all the other Greats. I had the chance to meet him and his lovely wife Ane here in Switzerland. He even came down into my drum-room in my house - after dinner of course - tried out some drums and suddenly felt in love with one of my cymbals that I received from Michael Paiste himself - a flatride.

I had the idea, that this cymbal is in better hands with him and so he accepted my present. After some time I see a video with Alex - and he really played my cymbal on it.... the video is here:

http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/alexrielsolo.html

Again Alex and Ane, take care and hopefully see you very soon again in Switzerland...

Bernhard

Aw, thanks Bernhard. It's a pleasure to be here. What a friendly bunch of people you surround yourself with in here. I might get addicted ...

Ane and I often talk about our visit at your place which was soooo nice. We are probably the only married couple in the world who included a visit to the Paiste factory and the founder of Drummerworld .... in our honeymoon!!!! (priorities, right)

For all of you out there who haven't met Bernhard let me tell you he is a GREAT guy with the most lovable and wonderful family ... and well, a BEAUTIFUL flat ride! I can never thank you enough for that, Bernhard. I love it!
Oh, and one more thing about this guy: He's a great drummer!!!!!

All my best to you and the family
Alex (and from Ane too)

[mediocrefunkybeat]

I just watched the video Bernhard linked to and I must say I am INCREDIBLY envious. Wow, what a truly great drummer you are, you're inspiring me to pick up sticks. The finesse, the skill that you possess is truly awesome. Like Peter Erskine, but with perhaps even more swing.

Fantastic.

[aahznightsky]

Ah it's fantastic how you're here! I always loved your style and appraoch to jazz drumming ... definitely one that I would love to have myself haha

keep up the fantastic work!

[Mike Firth]

I love how you play jazz! A bunch of drummers in Jazz Band I try to learn what you do.

[DogBreath]

A great story about the flat ride. If I ever come over to anyone's house for dinner, please feel free to give me any of your drums or cymbals. I will accept them with great humility.

That was a fantastic solo, too. Subtle stick work and beautiful sound from the drums.

[NUTHA JASON]

i agree. there is a beautiful moment when the time stalls - almost like breathing in - sort of one third into the solo before launching into the swing again. lovely to have you here Mr Riel.

and welcome to any other master drummers who are thinking about joining.
j

[kenzo]

Hey Alex.
I have seen you in Danish Drum Legends, and that was bretty cool stof you are playing.
Some day i will go to one of you concert.
I live i Vejle, and i just find out that you playd in vejle for just 2 mounths ago :(.
But some day I'll se a concert.
Do you know www.trommeslagern.dk ?? Kom ind og kig hvis du har lyst.
-Kent Poulsen

[Christanbul]

I rate Alex Riel as a musician,. I have been playing a few of his CD's over the last few days, he is a drummer that can really take care of business.

I would recommend his albums, "What Happened" and "Celebration."

If you read this Alex, How many rivets do you use in your Flat Ride.?

Chris.

[Alex Riel]

Hi guys,
I just read the latest replies to this thread. Your very kind comments on my drumming make me very proud. Thanks!!!

If anyone with the name Dogbreath ever shows up at my doorstep I'll make sure to serve him a hot meal (and a tooth brush) and provide him with cymbals, drums etc. No problem!

Kent, yes I know of "Trommeslageren.dk" but haven't checked it out for some time. I'll take a look at it again. Too bad you missed the concert in Vejle. See you some other time over there.

Chris ...good to see you here! ...and thank you for recommending those cd's. I'm glad you like them. As for my flat ride (formula 602 Paiste, 20") there are 4 rivets in it (placed 4 cm from the edge).

Best wishes
Alex

[Sejer]

Hi Alex

I love your work.... Rock and jazz i have heard alot of your danis records with "Sebastian" he is a personal freind and i enjoy the old sound that you had aswel the sound that you have today...

Great work on the Danish Drum Legend DVD...

Keep it up...

Nicolaj Sejer..
KBH. Denmark.

[Renato]

Alex,
Hi - I wanted to ask you a few questions:

1)what recordings were particularly influential on you as young drummer?

2)What are you listeing to these days?

3)regarding the video clips on drummerworld...
a)what is that snare it? It sounds fantastic.
b)What are those cymbals....especially the flatride with multiple types of lathing?

thanks
Ren

[Alex Riel]

Hi Alex

I love your work.... Rock and jazz i have heard alot of your danis records with "Sebastian" he is a personal freind and i enjoy the old sound that you had aswel the sound that you have today...

Great work on the Danish Drum Legend DVD...

Keep it up...

Nicolaj Sejer..
KBH. Denmark.

Hey Nicolaj

Thanks!!
Please say hello to Sebastian from me next time you see him ...

Best wishes
Alex

[Alex Riel]

Alex,
Hi - I wanted to ask you a few questions:

1)what recordings were particularly influential on you as young drummer?

2)What are you listeing to these days?

3)regarding the video clips on drummerworld...
a)what is that snare it? It sounds fantastic.
b)What are those cymbals....especially the flatride with multiple types of lathing?

thanks
Ren

Hi Renato,
Thank you for your interest. I'll try to answer your questions the best I can ...

1)
I think these recordings would be the ones that have influenced me the most:
- "When The Saints Go Marching In" with the Dutch Swing College Band
- "Moppin' & Boppin'", "Ain't Misbehaving", Blue Turning Grey Over You" etc with Fats Waller / Zutty Singleton on drums.
- "Drum Face" with Zutty Singleton
- "Sing Sing Sing" weith Benny Goodman / Krupa on drums.
- various recordings with Armstrong and Big Sid Catlett on drums.
- "Basin St. Blues" with Armstrong / Kenny John on drums.
- "Africa Brass Sessions" with John Coltrane / Elvin on drums.
- "Impressions" with Cotrane / Elvin
- various Miles Davis with Tony Williams on drums.
- "Milestones" with Miles Davis / Philly Joe Jones on drums. Especially the trio version of the tune "Billy Boy"!!


2)
I still love every bit of the above mentioned!!! Don't get to listen to it that much though. Most of the music I would listen to today is music I "have" to listen to to prepare for gigs/recording sessions etc. Other than that I think I listen mostly to the Phil Collins/Genesis stuff my missus play for me - which I like too! - or whatever jazz record she has on (Ben Webster, Dexter Gordon, Basie etc). I would occasionally put on a classical record too. Like the opera "Boris Godonoff" by Mussorgski.
However, nothing beats listening to the birds in the garden these days!

3)
It's a Gretsch snare 6½ x 14" (model 4153, serial no. 127938). Wood/mahogany.

4)
The cymbals I play these days (and on the video clips) are:
20" flat ride Paiste Formula 602 with rivets
22" Paiste prototype (not in production)
20" Chinese crash ride
14" hi-hat Paiste Dimension Light
and of course the beautiful flatride that I got from Bernhard ... it's mentioned somewhere else in this thread.

Best wishes
Alex





-

[OZjazzer]

Hi Alex. I was very interested in your list of favourites especially Red Garland's 'Billy Boy' on the Davis album. I adore that track but am old enough to recall when it first came out a critic said something along the lines of 'great album pity about including the cocktail-jazz piano track'. Here we are some 40 years on and people are still talking about it (Bob James recently did a 'cover' of it on his wonderful trio album). Garland was no doubt inspired by by Ahmad Jamal's great version with another of my heroes Vernell Fournier. Interesting that the Philly Joe's much imitated cross stick, one in the bar 'click' was evidently copied from Fournier who was in turn trying to imitate the percussive accent guitarist Ray Crawford produced in the original drummerless Jamal trio.

Have been searching for anything by Lisa Nilson that is more like the jazz material she performed with you in Australia, she absolutley knocked me out. I have never been so impressed with a female singer in over 50 years of being a jazz fan. Just magnificent. I even like her popular recordings. Fabulous.

[The Drum Monkey]

hey Alex

quick question

what was the defining factor which made you become a drummer?

[Alex Riel]

Hi Alex. I was very interested in your list of favourites especially Red Garland's 'Billy Boy' on the Davis album. I adore that track but am old enough to recall when it first came out a critic said something along the lines of 'great album pity about including the cocktail-jazz piano track'. Here we are some 40 years on and people are still talking about it (Bob James recently did a 'cover' of it on his wonderful trio album). Garland was no doubt inspired by by Ahmad Jamal's great version with another of my heroes Vernell Fournier. Interesting that the Philly Joe's much imitated cross stick, one in the bar 'click' was evidently copied from Fournier who was in turn trying to imitate the percussive accent guitarist Ray Crawford produced in the original drummerless Jamal trio.

Have been searching for anything by Lisa Nilson that is more like the jazz material she performed with you in Australia, she absolutley knocked me out. I have never been so impressed with a female singer in over 50 years of being a jazz fan. Just magnificent. I even like her popular recordings. Fabulous.

Hey OZjazzer!
Very interesting to read about Vernell Vournier and Ahmad Jamal etc. I had no idea Philly Joe had it from there! To be honest it's been a long time since I listened to anything by Jamal .. even though I do like him a lot.

Oh yes, I could imagine critics saying that about "Billy Boy" back then. But - in my opinion anyway - it's sometimes the most banal and naive things that turn out most beautiful, if played by the right people with the right heart that is. Just take "Danny Boy" with Ben Webster ... or "Smile" ...

You have NO idea how happy I am to hear you praise Lisa Nilsson! She's indeed uniqie. You should DEFINATELY get hold of the DVD called "Between A Smile And A Tear". It's a documentary film about the legendary jazzhouse Montmartre in Copenhagen; but most of all it's about what happens when musicians get together and interact - on stage and backstage! In this case the musicians are: Lisa Nillson, Johnny Griffin, Albert "Tootie" Heath, Toots Thielemanns, Niels Lan Doky, Mads Vinding and Didier Lockwood. It's a BRILLIANT film - very funny too! I can highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in music!!!! You'll love it!
I believe the soundtrack from the film is included when you buy the DVD.

(let me know if you have problems finding it .. it should be available online though)


Best wishes
Alex

[Alex Riel]

hey Alex

quick question

what was the defining factor which made you become a drummer?

Hey Drum Monkey!
Well, my father was playing all these old jazz records (with Fats Waller etc). So I would listen to them all the time at home. Besides, my dad would always "drum" along with this hands ... and he could really make it swing. Very Gene Krupa like.
He wasn't a musician though, he was a ladies' hairdresser!!! But I must have gotten the talent and jazz interest from him. I guess that's why he supported me in any way he could AFTER I had served my apprenticeship as a ladies' hairdresser as well (you did what your parents told you back then!).
You see, before he'd let me drum full time he wanted me to proove to him that I was a better drummer than hairdresser! And trust me, I was!!!!!

Best wishes
Alex


PS. I just remembered that the British drummer Joe Daniels was a great inspiration for me too back in the 50s.

[jazzgregg]

I have a question, don't know if you can answer it, Alex. What's with those 2004 Steeplechase releases? Are they re-releases or unheard stuff? Man, don't tell me (or my wallet) I'm missing some of your playing! I checked them with all my Steeplechase stuff and although they have the same material, I don't know if it's previously released or alternate versions/dates.

Also wanted to mention I landed a copy of your trio CD and as usual, it was tasteful, warm and wise. Your cymbals, also as always sound beautiful. I take it you're using basically the same set up as you've outlined in this thread? I hear that flat, for sure. I really especially liked the originals (and the cover photo!)

Gregg

[Alex Riel]

I have a question, don't know if you can answer it, Alex. What's with those 2004 Steeplechase releases? Are they re-releases or unheard stuff? Man, don't tell me (or my wallet) I'm missing some of your playing! I checked them with all my Steeplechase stuff and although they have the same material, I don't know if it's previously released or alternate versions/dates.

Also wanted to mention I landed a copy of your trio CD and as usual, it was tasteful, warm and wise. Your cymbals, also as always sound beautiful. I take it you're using basically the same set up as you've outlined in this thread? I hear that flat, for sure. I really especially liked the originals (and the cover photo!)

Gregg

Hey Gregg,
Sorry about the late response.

About the SteepleChase 2004 recordings: I'm pretty sure that the Dexter Gordon releases called "Heartaches", "Misty" and "Loose Walk" are all unheard stuff. And I think that maybe there's one or more with Kenny Dorham as well ...
To be absolutely sure you may have to ask SteepleChase though.

Thank you for your kind words on the trio cd - and the photo!!! Great to hear that you like it. Did you hear the ghost track?
And you're right about the cymbals ... they are the same ones as I've mentioned before. Just got a new (old!) Paiste 602 20" flat ride by the way. Excellent!!

What else can I tell you .... just got sent a copy of a new cd I did with the fabulous Phil Woods and a Danish alto sax player called Benjamin Koppel. Good stuff! It's called "Pass The Bebob" (released on my record company Cowbell Music).
Also, Copenhagen Jazzfestival is coming up next month and I'm looking forward to playing with PAT METHENY in the Tivoli Gardens. I'll also have the pleasure to play with the wonderful singer Lisa Nilsson (whom OZjazzer has mentioned in this thread), a great fusion group called "Santa Cruz", my own trio ... and a bunch of other nice people!

Best wishes
Alex

PS: my web site should be updated soon.

[jazzgregg]

Alex,
Thanks for the reply!
I'll check at Steeplechase to see about the Dorham and Dex stuff, but if they're unreleased recordings, I NEED to buy them!

So the ghost track on the CD, 'Tears in Heaven', right? Who played guitar on it? Interesting choice to include it, needless to say I was surprised. Glad to hear about the 602-looking forward to hear it on some recordings! That reminds me, how do you feel about Paiste's new Dark Energy cymbals?

Is there a specific distributor for Cowbell Music, online or otherwise?

Thanks for giving the update on the Riel activities! The Woods/Koppel CD sounds very cool, where can I buy it?
Wish I was in Copenhagen to check out all the stuff you're doing (especially Lisa on both yours and OZJazzer's high reccomendations-I'm going to try and pick up the DVD you mentioned). Too bad you aren't in Canada this festival season, how about next year? You guys can all stay at my house=)

Thanks as always Alex,
Gregg

[Alex Riel]

So the ghost track on the CD, 'Tears in Heaven', right? Who played guitar on it? Interesting choice to include it, needless to say I was surprised.

I always liked that tune. And so a few days after we'd finished the cd-recording I asked the guys if we could record that one as well .. and just see what we could make out of it. Turned out that the pianist had just broken his arm (!!!) so he obviously couldn't play. So Jesper Lundgaard (the bass player) and I sat down just the two of us to record it as a duo. Then Jesper suddenly decided to pick up his guitar and play that part as well! Pretty amazing I think, since the guy hasn't played guitar in public for 30 years and nobody knows he can!!! Even the most hardcore Danish jazz experts haven't been able to guess he's in fact the guitarist on that track.
It obviously turned out to be less "jazzier" than the rest of the tracks .. so we decided to include it as a ghost track, just for fun.



That reminds me, how do you feel about Paiste's new Dark Energy cymbals?

To be honest I haven't even tried them out? Are they good?


Is there a specific distributor for Cowbell Music, online or otherwise?

It's a fairly new Danish record company, and I like them a lot. I don't even think their website has an English version yet but here it is anyway: http://www.cowbellmusic.dk Very nice and helpful people there, so don't hesitate to email them if you have any questions. They'll be releasing the Phil Woods CD I mentioned in a few days I think. If you are into 80s fusion let me recommend the "Santa Cruz" recording .. great bunch of musicians on that one!


Wish I was in Copenhagen to check out all the stuff you're doing (especially Lisa on both yours and OZJazzer's high reccomendations-I'm going to try and pick up the DVD you mentioned).

Yeah, Copenhagen Jazz Festival is a great festival.
Let me know what you guys think of the "Between A Smile And A Tear" DVD if you buy it. And also, let me know if you have trouble finding it ... maybe I can help.


Too bad you aren't in Canada this festival season, how about next year? You guys can all stay at my house=)

I'd LOVE to go to Canada. It's been a looong time since I was there with a prog-rockish band called "Savage Rose". Beautiful country. No plans yet of going ... but maybe some day in some constellation. Feel free to recommend me over there!!


Thanks as always Alex,
Gregg
Back at ya'

Best wishes
Alex

[jazzgregg]

Alex,
Jesper played on it?! Wow, I know a fair bit about you Danes too, but I NEVER knew he played! It was a really nice and quiet take of a pretty tune for sure. You don;t have a duo version of it, do you? I'd love to hear that as well!

The Paiste Dark Energies are good, I think. I don't have any (I only have Traditionals) but I've played a few. So they're a cross between the Signature series and the Traditionals, so they say. They're dark and dirty sounding with a bit of trashiness, at least the ones I tried were (I only tried rides-20" ones). The 'Mark I's are lighter and darker and I prefer those. Still, you guys with all those old 602's and Sound Creation's have it made (by the way, send any old cymbals you don't want this way!=)

I checked out the Cowbell Music site, but aside from the graphics, I couldn't read it...I DID manage to see some profiles on you guys and some discographies, looks like a comprehensive label (from what I can tell which admittedly, isn't much!)

As soon as I can round up some money, I'm going to start hunting for the DVD for sure. I'll let you know if I have trouble finding it!

As far as coming to Canada, I can forward you some dates for festival submissions if you want, or to your booking agent or whomever.(they'd need to be next year though- this years are obviously booked)

Let me know and thanks again!
G

[jazzgregg]

Alex playing with Bill Evans in 1966. (http://www.billevanswebpages.com/)

Scroll down the page and dig those brushes!
G

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Exquisite... just exquisite. Such refined and tasteful playing. Great sound. Mr. Riel, I would give various parts of my body to be half the drummer you are.

[Alex Riel]

Alex,
Jesper played on it?! Wow, I know a fair bit about you Danes too, but I NEVER knew he played! It was a really nice and quiet take of a pretty tune for sure. You don;t have a duo version of it, do you? I'd love to hear that as well!

You know, techically it IS a duo version - with only the two of us playing! But I guess you mean with bass and drums only? Or guitar and drums? Well, I'm afraid the version you've heard is all I've got.


The Paiste Dark Energies are good, I think. I don't have any (I only have Traditionals) but I've played a few. So they're a cross between the Signature series and the Traditionals, so they say. They're dark and dirty sounding with a bit of trashiness, at least the ones I tried were (I only tried rides-20" ones). The 'Mark I's are lighter and darker and I prefer those.

Thanks for that description. I'll make sure to try them out sometime ...


Still, you guys with all those old 602's and Sound Creation's have it made (by the way, send any old cymbals you don't want this way!=)

Sure! How many would you like?
Naaa ... can't give away my (and Bernhard's!) babies ... too precioussssssssssss


I checked out the Cowbell Music site, but aside from the graphics, I couldn't read it...I DID manage to see some profiles on you guys and some discographies, looks like a comprehensive label (from what I can tell which admittedly, isn't much!)

I'll tell them that they should get the site done in an English version as well. Yeah, it's a great little label .. growing bigger for every week.
As for the Canadian festivals - I've just pm'ed you about that!

Hey and thanks for posting that Bill Evans clip with me. So fun to watch again (However, the link you posted doesn't work anymore as there's another clip on that Bill Evans Site now ... the clip with me is still on YouTube though).

Best wishes
Alex

[Alex Riel]

Exquisite... just exquisite. Such refined and tasteful playing. Great sound. Mr. Riel, I would give various parts of my body to be half the drummer you are.

Thank you so much for those kind words, mr. Beat!
Don't give away your body parts though ...

Best wishes
Alex

[hotsauce3n]

You have played with a huge array of artists! i would love to play with steve swallow, john abercrombie, or nat adderly that is awesome.

[Alex Riel]

You have played with a huge array of artists! i would love to play with steve swallow, john abercrombie, or nat adderly that is awesome.

Hi there Hotsauce!
Yeah, it's been FUN ... and fortunately it still is!!!!

Keep it up and then who knows, maybe one day YOU will be the one playing with those guys you mention! (except there may be a minor problem with Nat ...)

Best wishes
Alex

[OZjazzer]

[QUOTE=Alex RielLet me know what you guys think of the "Between A Smile And A Tear" DVD if you buy it. And also, let me know if you have trouble finding it ... maybe I can help.
Best wishes
Alex[/QUOTE]

Great to see you still chatting with us Alex. I guess Gregg's Danish is about as good as mine (=) which means I too am having no luck finding the DVD 'Between a Smile and a Tear' or any CD's of Lisa singing in a more jazz-like setting (I do however have a crush on the track 'Min Man' from the album 'Små Rum' which has many nice tracks but of course I have no idea what she is singing about).

[Alex Riel]

Great to see you still chatting with us Alex. I guess Gregg's Danish is about as good as mine (=) which means I too am having no luck finding the DVD 'Between a Smile and a Tear' or any CD's of Lisa singing in a more jazz-like setting (I do however have a crush on the track 'Min Man' from the album 'Små Rum' which has many nice tracks but of course I have no idea what she is singing about).

Hey OZjazzer and Jazzgregg - and anyone else who could be interested.

I just did a little research myself and I think you may be able to order (in English) the DVD from one of these online stores:

www.saxo.com/item/1329352

http://english.megastore.se/template/next%2CProduct.vm?itemid=1481636

There doesn't seem to be an English description of the film on those sites though BUT I found an article on AllAboutJazz where you can see what it's all about - and if it's something for you - www.allaboutjazz.com/php/news.php?id=4175
You already know that I, and everybody I know who has seen it, think that it's an excellent documentary - very funny, touching and charming whether you are into jazz or not. The CD seems to be included when you buy the DVD.

Sooooooo with a bit of luck you should be able to order it. Let me know how it goes!

In fact I'll be seeing Lisa Nilsson, Niels Lan Doky and Didier Lockwood tomorrow and the next 3 days since we are doing a concert at the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen this weekend - with the Tivoli Symphony Orchestra. That should be fun! (Next week I'll be rehearsing/playing with Pat Metheny ... that should be fun too!!!!!!!)

I agree with you that Lisa's work in the pop world is excellent as well (although I'm not familiar with all of it). Oh and I should help you out with this OZjazzer: "Min Man" means "My Man" and "Små Rum" means "Little Rooms"!!
Reminds me that there's a track on the CD/DVD called "Säg det igen" (meaning "Say it again") which is a ballad that I'm sure will blow you away even though it's in Swedish!!!! It's so unbelievably beautiful sung by Lisa. Same goes for another ballad she sings on a Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen cd called "Those Who Were" .. it's the title track in fact. A wonderful version of a heartbreakingly beautiful tune in my opinion!

Guess I'm an old romantic eh!?

Anyway, good luck with the project. If it still doesn't work out for you feel free to pm me your addresses and I'll could perhaps find it for you over here and send it to you.

Thanks for your interests, guys!

Best wishes
Alex

[OZjazzer]

A quick thank you Alex for the DVD information. The 'english megastore' site seems to do the job best. I will also see if the other DVD you mentioned is also available and start saving up my euros to get both. I have been lucky and found the ballad you mentioned, "Those Who Were" but nothing else from the whole CD yet. I agree completely - it's really beautiful, but then I'm the same vintage as you and a very much a romantic too. Thank you the translations as well. Hope all the concerts go well.

[jazzgregg]

Yep, me too, time to start saving up! (Of course, I couldn't go to a CD/DVD site without doing some other searching and now my list got bigger!)
Thanks again Alex, I speak for OZ when I say we're both looking forward to it!
G

[simonsweb]

Hey Alex.

I'm from Denmark weee :) I just wont to say that you play on the drums is so fantastic.
You know how to play with feeling, and how to get the best sound out of the drums.

Are you soon gonna play live with NLD (Niels Lan Doky again? I would love
to see you live.

Keep up the nice drumming ;-)


Best Regards
Simon Duun
SimonsWeb.dk

[Alex Riel]

OZjazzer, Gregg ... looking forward to your reviews. I really hope you'll enjoy the film as much as I did (especially now that I have talked you into spending your savings on it!!!)

I had the pleasure to play with Lisa last week ... backed by a jazz group (pianist Niels Lan Doky, bassist Pierre Boussaget, violinist Didier Lockwood and myself) and a symphony orchestra. She did some wonderful versions of various standards, her own stuff, songs from the film etc. Really great!!

All the best
Alex

[capnrusty]

Hi Alex,

Just wanted to say thanks for the great drumming. You played on a CD that was very popular at the college I attended. It was the Jackie McLean and Dexter Gordon album called "The Source." We used to listen to that album all the time. J Mac was a teacher and a mentor to me and listening to that recording brings back a lot of fond memories. What I wouldn't give to play with him just one more time. Fire!!! Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks for your music. :)

[Alex Riel]

Hey Alex.

I'm from Denmark weee :) I just wont to say that you play on the drums is so fantastic.
You know how to play with feeling, and how to get the best sound out of the drums.

Are you soon gonna play live with NLD (Niels Lan Doky again? I would love
to see you live.

Keep up the nice drumming ;-)


Best Regards
Simon Duun
SimonsWeb.dk

Hi Simon,
Thank you for your kind words! As for the sound of my drums you're right it means a lot to me that my drums "talk" to me. Their sounds inspire me very much. I need to feel that I have some kind of conversation going on with them!

As for Niels Lan Doky I've actually been seeing him a lot recently. We played a great gig in Germany last month with bass player Pierre Boussaget and violinist Didier Lockwood. And then there was the project with Lisa Nilsson I mentioned in my previous post.

Also, two days ago (friday 7th) we both accompanied Pat Metheny who opened the Copenhagen Jazzfestival with a huge outdoor concert in Tivoli Gardens. That was one incredible gig!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The line-up besides Doky and myself was: trumpet player Palle Mikkelborg, percussionist Marilyn Mazur (who both have played with Miles Davis), sax player Tomas Franck (great Coltrane-like player!!) and one of my favourite bassists Jesper Lundgaard.
It was of course a great privilege to play with such a fantastic musician as Pat Metheny whom I've always admired. And I'm proud to say that all of us - incl. Pat - really played our b*tts off in front of a ecstatic audience. It was indeed a night to remember!

Best wishes
Alex

[Alex Riel]

Hi Alex,

Just wanted to say thanks for the great drumming. You played on a CD that was very popular at the college I attended. It was the Jackie McLean and Dexter Gordon album called "The Source." We used to listen to that album all the time. J Mac was a teacher and a mentor to me and listening to that recording brings back a lot of fond memories. What I wouldn't give to play with him just one more time. Fire!!! Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks for your music. :)

Hi there Capnrusty,
Thank you very much for reminding me of that record - and those days! Must have been something to have been taught by such a great and strong player as Jackie McLean!
I'm happy to hear that that particular recording with us has meant so much to you. It sure has meant a lot to me too to have had the chance to play with these guys. Thanks again!

Best wishes
Alex

[jazzgregg]

Hi there Capnrusty,
Thank you very much for reminding me of that record - and those days! Must have been something to have been taught by such a great and strong player as Jackie McLean!
I'm happy to hear that that particular recording with us has meant so much to you. It sure has meant a lot to me too to have had the chance to play with these guys. Thanks again!

Best wishes
Alex
The Source! An absolute classic of both Jackie and Dex's discography, in my opinion.

Alex- what a Metheny concert!!!! I love Palle and Marilyn as well! That must have been a gas. What era were the tunes from?

Jealous I missed the show,
G

[drummerchick435]

Hey ,Mr. Riel! I don't feel worthy to call you by your first name. I could never play a mean jazz like you! (I'm such a suck up! Sorry)

[Alex Riel]

The Source! An absolute classic of both Jackie and Dex's discography, in my opinion.

Alex- what a Metheny concert!!!! I love Palle and Marilyn as well! That must have been a gas. What era were the tunes from?

Jealous I missed the show,
G


Hey Gregg, yeah it was great!
The tunes we played were all originals by Pat, Palle, Marilyn, Tomas Franck and Lan Doky. All good stuff. I didn't even miss a straight ahead jazz standard in there. Too bad you couldn't be there!

Glad to hear you know and appreciate Palle and Marilyn. They both are very dear to me as we've spend A LOT of time together over the years. Ever heard of the "Riel-Mikkelborg Quintet"? I won't blame you if you haven't cos it's a loooooong time ago we won first prize at the Montreux Jazzfestival and played at Newport as well (must have been the late 60s). We also had a group called "V8" in the 70s. Well, we've worked together in so many constellations ... not least with the "Peter Herbolzheimer Rhythm Combination and Brass" ... very fun days!!
As for Marilyn I was in her all-female band (!!) called "Sirenes" and later we formed a band called "Six Winds" who played mostly her compositions.

Loads of memories there as you can probably imagine ...

All the best
Alex

[Alex Riel]

Hey ,Mr. Riel! I don't feel worthy to call you by your first name. I could never play a mean jazz like you! (I'm such a suck up! Sorry)

I need a big smiley here!!!!

Thanks for writing Miss Chick .. and please call me Alex! Or Sir.

[Alex Riel]

By the way Gregg, you asked what era the tunes were from at the Pat Metheny gig ...

The Metheny originals we played were: "Ultimate Tears" (a solo piece .. though Palle joined him in the end), "Always And Forever" and "When We Were Free". I'm not sure which of his albums they are from though.

The others were tunes by Palle, Marilyn etc as I already mentioned.

Cheers
Alex

[drummerchick435]

I need a big smiley here!!!!

Thanks for writing Miss Chick .. and please call me Alex! Or Sir.

You're welcome ,Alex. Here's your big smiley: :)

[jazzgregg]

Hey Gregg, yeah it was great!
The tunes we played were all originals by Pat, Palle, Marilyn, Tomas Franck and Lan Doky. All good stuff. I didn't even miss a straight ahead jazz standard in there. Too bad you couldn't be there!

Glad to hear you know and appreciate Palle and Marilyn. They both are very dear to me as we've spend A LOT of time together over the years. Ever heard of the "Riel-Mikkelborg Quintet"? I won't blame you if you haven't cos it's a loooooong time ago we won first prize at the Montreux Jazzfestival and played at Newport as well (must have been the late 60s). We also had a group called "V8" in the 70s. Well, we've worked together in so many constellations ... not least with the "Peter Herbolzheimer Rhythm Combination and Brass" ... very fun days!!
As for Marilyn I was in her all-female band (!!) called "Sirenes" and later we formed a band called "Six Winds" who played mostly her compositions.

Loads of memories there as you can probably imagine ...

All the best
Alex


Alex,
No I have NOT head of that Quintet! What have you got for me, LPs? Reel to reels? Old rehearsal tapes?! Don't tease me like that unless you've got something for me!

Strangely, I think I've heard of V8, not sure how/where/why...

Regarding Marylin's band, do I even want to ask how/why you were in an all girl band (which of course, during your tenure was quite obviously not all-girl...)?

Thanks from all of us again for your time, thought and insight making this a frequently updated thread because of you.

G

[Alex Riel]

Hi Gregg,

Alex,
No I have NOT head of that Quintet! What have you got for me, LPs? Reel to reels? Old rehearsal tapes?! Don't tease me like that unless you've got something for me!

I'm afraid we never recorded anything .. or at least we never released anything.
I might have a little something somewhere though (I'll get back to you if I find it).



Strangely, I think I've heard of V8, not sure how/where/why...

Well, we did make a studio recording once ... but it never got released! So I can't really say how you may have heard of us. Great band though. We were two drummers: Kasper Winding and me. What a lot of nice noise!!!



Regarding Marylin's band, do I even want to ask how/why you were in an all girl band (which of course, during your tenure was quite obviously not all-girl...)?

Take a look at the pic in my international driver's license from back then .. and you'll know how and why!!! http://www.alexriel.dk/media/private/driversl.jpg



Thanks from all of us again for your time, thought and insight making this a frequently updated thread because of you.

Aw, you are too kind. It's certainly my pleasure to pop in here from time to time and see what you guys have been writing. Thanks again for your interrest!

Best wishes
Alex

[jazzgregg]

Hi Gregg,


I'm afraid we never recorded anything .. or at least we never released anything.
I might have a little something somewhere though (I'll get back to you if I find it).



Well, we did make a studio recording once ... but it never got released! So I can't really say how you may have heard of us. Great band though. We were two drummers: Kasper Winding and me. What a lot of nice noise!!!



Take a look at the pic in my international driver's license from back then .. and you'll know how and why!!! http://www.alexriel.dk/media/private/driversl.jpg



Aw, you are too kind. It's certainly my pleasure to pop in here from time to time and see what you guys have been writing. Thanks again for your interrest!

Best wishes
Alex


Alex,
Well, if you can find some recordings of that group, I'd keep my mouth shut about them and pay shipping....(I'm not certain, but I might have some old Montmartre bootlegs of you with various people too, speaking of rarities!)

Regarding the 'all girl' band, yeah, I can see that! So you were in disguise (as a woman) then...

Oh, and uh, remember when I asked you what cymbals you were playing on all the Steeplechase stuff, and remember you answered me? Could you answer that same question again, as I seemed to have forgotton where it was I asked you and can't find the reply!
Thanks again,
G

[Alex Riel]

Hi Gregg,


Oh, and uh, remember when I asked you what cymbals you were playing on all the Steeplechase stuff, and remember you answered me? Could you answer that same question again, as I seemed to have forgotton where it was I asked you and can't find the reply!
Thanks again,
G
I found it for ya. It's from an email you send me some time ago! You asked me some other interesting questions there as well so I thought I'd post them all in case anyone else could be interested :) ...

I have what may be a silly question to start: what does DSB Kino
mean? I know that Kino is the German word for Cinema
and there's a screen on the front of the album. I
guess what I'm asking is, if that's the right
definition, what's the DSB?
You're right, Kino does mean cinema. The DSB stands for the "Danske Stats Baner" (!) which is the Danish Rail company. When I was a kid in the 40s-50s there was a cinema called DSB KINO at the main railway station in Copenhagen, Denmark. I used to go there a lot to watch these old movie clips with Frank Sinatra singing in front of a big band. I noticed a crisp sounding trumpet that made a great impression on me. Then years later I was playing as the house drummer in the jazzhouse Montmartre in Copenhagen where a lot of American musicans performed during the 60's and 70s. One night I was accompanying this trumpet player ... and recognized exactly THAT sound!!!! I asked him (Harry Sweets Edison) if he'd ever played with Sinatra which he had of course. But I still didn't get it, cos all the members of the big band I had seen with Sinatra were white, and Sweets was black? He then told me that back then black musicians were not allowed to be seen in the movies. So while the music heard was played by black musicians (incl. Sweets) the musicians seen on the screen would be white!!! Of course that made a deep impression on a young Dane like me who were not used to racial segregation. And that's why it meant a lot to me to include that story in the cd.


What cymbals were you using on the Steeplechase stuff?
Do I hear the same cymbals on most of it?
I can't remember too well, but - except for one Ziljian Avedis 22" ride with lots of rivets (that I put there myself) - they were all PAISTE.
I recall a 22" ride Formula 602, and a 20" flat ride Formula 602 which I'm still using. The hi-hat was always a 14" .. but various types (from Paiste as well).


What do you want from the cymbals you use, I know you
tend to like sizzle cymbals and flat rides, but any
other particulars?
I tend to like a dark sound that somehow can form a "foundation" for the whole sound of the group ... like a carpet of sound underneath it all (My god, this is hard to express in English for me!). Some sizzle cymbals can do just that. It's also important to me that the cymbal has a distinct "stick-sound" ... that you can hear what's being played.
You know, the original Zildjian K cymbals that were made in Tyrkey are generally too thin to play for me. But I've been fortunate to find a few that were thicker, and those were just GREAT. They had that dark and distinct sound I like .. and helped the stick to bounce. I once played Tony William's K cymbal (the one he played with Miles on several recordings) and that cymbal had it all!
The 20" Paiste 602 flat ride w. rivets - even though it has a quite light sound - is especially great behind bass solos. Niels-Henning always wanted me to play just that! (for some reason this particular cymbal sound has always reminded me of ice crystals!)
But you know how it is ... I'll always be looking out for new cymbals, but tend to go back to the "old" ones I know and love the most.

Btw these are the cymbals I'm playing today (and have been playing for a while):
- Paiste 14" Dimension light hi-hat.
- 20" flat ride w. rivets, Paiste Formula 602
- 22" ride, Paiste prototype (not in production)
- 20" ride/crash from China (I believe this type is called "Cobra" today ...the quality varies a lot. THIS one is excellent though!)
- plus another 20" ride Paiste prototype, the "decorated" one in the videoclip with me (Bernhard's cymbal!)


How did you approach playing with Dexter? My old
teacher Joe Hunt played with him once and said it
required a lot of concentration since Dexter laid back
so much? How about Bill Evans?
That's right, Dexter played very laid back but the rest of us kept the tempo .. and that tension made it sound so good I think. He once asked me what I was listening to, when I listened to records, and I couldn't really answer him. Then he replied to me "I can hear that!". And so he told me how important it was for me to listen to what the pianist was playing in certain parts of the tune. I should follow that with my left hand. When I started doing just that my drumming took a major step forward, and I realised that this was what Philly Joe and the other guys were doing!
Dexter was very kind to teach me stuff. Once in Stockholm we did two weeks at the Golden Circle club and one late night he called me up and kept me on the phone for hours teaching me. He wanted me to learn how to go from the A part (two-beat played on the hi-hat) of "Shiny Stockings" to the bridge (ride cymbal, full rhythm 4/4) and back. I tended to go up in tempo during the bridge! I can clearly recall his deep voice on phone .... singing "Shiny Stockings" repeatedly that night!"
He taught me so much about playing drums!
Bill Evans was in some way completely opposite to Dexter. He was up there on the beat all the time. And since I tend to be up there myself I sometimes got the feeling I was rushing. That worried me, so I asked him about it. I remember he told me "don't worry about keeping the tempo...just go where the music takes you. Follow the music!" That's how HE played. He (we) would rush sometimes (I wouldn't reallly notice till I heard it on tape) ... but the music was so great!!! He was the one who introduced me to poly-rhytmics by the way. Wow, what a shock that was!!!
Bill Evans was a very, very sweet and helpful guy, and one of my biggest influences. I can't even begin to describe how much playing with him and Eddie Gomez meant to me. After having toured with them in Europe in the mid 60s he actually asked me to come live in the States and join his trio permanently! I couldn't leave Denmark at that time. But what an opportunity!


I know you're a fan of playing in trios (as am I),
what draws you to them in particular?
Well, my experience with Bill Evans and Gomez definately meant that I came to love the piano trio. And I've really enjoyed other trio formats as well, for instance the "tenorsax-bass-drums" with Bergonzi/Lundgaard.
I guess to a drummer like me who likes (or at least tries!) to play very "melodic" the trio is a great place to both be heard and be quiet!


Who do you consider to be your biggest drumming
influences?
Of the "old" ones it would definately be Big Sid Catlett!!! Also guys like Zutty Singleton, Gene Krupa, George Wettling, Osie Johnson, Gus Johnsen, Alvin Stoller, Philly Joe, Roy Haynes etc. When Tony Williams came along I was of course blown away by his new "style" and he inspired me a lot. But besides Big Sid Catlett noone has meant as much to me as ELVIN JONES did!!!!


Best wishes and tons of triplets
Alex

[jazzgregg]

Alex,
I caught this thing on tv here in Canada, with Gary Peacock Niels Lan Doky and you! Man, Those were some RIPPING tunes, you guys all sounded great. For those who don't know (which at this point is likely everyone but Alex and I), it was recorded in 1989 for Doky's album 'Close Encounter'. VERY good footage of everyone, especially Alex. Very nice shots of your 602 flat with rivets and you Sound Control (or 602) Dark Ride and flatride. MAN, they sounded nice! Few people can get away, to me, with using 2 flats, but man, they sound so distinct and with the rivetsyou make it work. You must clean your cymbals, right? They were so shiny and in great shape, especially if that 602 flat is the same one you used with Dex!

But I must pass on a few funny bits of information. First, my wife (who's had years of Jazz education from moi and has seen as many live shows as most people I know) says 'who's that guy, he looks like a happy drummer. He plays like it too'. I say Man, that is ALEX!! lol She's not always fond of my wierd stuff, but man, she LOVED your stuff! lol

The other thing was, I was trying to, based on how old Gary looked and what cymbals you were using, figure out when it was recorded. I came up with 'late 80's'.

Anyway, I don't have the album but I'm going to pick it up. Any info/stories to relate? How was Gary? He's a legend. I'm so lucky to have seen it!

G

[OZjazzer]

Alex. I finally got the Lisa Nilsson DVD and CD. Fantastic! Good to see Toots, Johnny Griffin, Tootie Heath and, what a nice bass player Mads Vinding is. And Didier Lockwood .. wow what a talent. Loved it all, but Lisa kind of stole the show for me.

Surely someone has to get her to record some jazz CD's now? Did they record the concerts you did with her recently?

Anyway thank you for pointing me towards that DVD, at least a few more people now know how good she is.

By the way we are enjoying those early Bill Evans videos with you and Gomez as well.

Thanks again.

[jazzgregg]

OZ has also pointed me to where he got his and my copy is also in the mail, Alex. Looking forward to it!

G

[Alex Riel]

Hey Gregg, OZjazzer and whoever is out there

I truly appologize for being so slow to reply this time. Too much stuff to do lately ... you know how it is!
Anyways, thank you – again – for your posts and interest. I’ll try to catch up with it all now!


Gregg!
The Doky/Peacock recording ... aah yes, that was fun! I haven’t seen it for ages actually. Good to know they filmed the cymbals (the camera guy must have been a drummer!!!)
Thank you for the kind words about flatrides/me. Recently I’ve actually been playing a 602 flat ride instead of my usual bell ride .. and it works perfectly.

Had to smile about your wife’s comments. What a compliment!
As for being a “happy drummer”... well, she’s right. I really try to only say yes to things/gigs I WANT to do... ya know ... and say no to things I have a bad feeling about. Sometimes I actually surprise myself in these choises.
Of course it doesn’t always work. There’s always a risk of ending up in a situation you dislike because of how the music turns out, the sound, the atmosphere etc. But then I try to find something enjoyable and focus on that; even if it’s playing for the ONE person in the second row who seem to listen! That way you almost always end up having a good time after all. At least you know you’ve have tried to give your best in spite of the circumstances. There’s just nothing worse than watching/playing with musicians who are in a bad mood for some reason – and show it. That’s just so unprofessional imo and certainly not fair to either your colleagues or your audience.
If you on the other hand show and share your enthusiasm about being up there on stage playing then you’ll find it comes back to you and motivates you even more. Nothing’s more motivating than looking down at an excited audience who obviously enjoy what they see and hear. It makes you wanna play even better ..

Ok, back to the “Close Encounter” session. Lan Doky tells me it was released as vol 1 & 2 (two cd’s) on the Danish label “Storyville”. Besides there’s this video/dvd (same sound as vol 1). The year was 1989.

Peacock .. well, Gary’s a great guy!! He used to live for a period of time in a flat on top of the jazz club Montmartre in Copenhagen back in the 60s or 70s. So I saw him a lot back then. He used to come down and sit in with us. Many years later we played together again at the Kongsberg jazz festival in Norway and then we did these recordings with Lan. There was a gig at the North Sea Festival as well!

As for my cymbals – no, I never clean them except for dusting them off. But I’m always very careful with them and try to treat them with “respect” .... they are my buddies ya know .. lol.

By the way, Gregg, there’s a couple of cd copies on their way to you (The Riel-Mikkelborg group etc). I found them!



OZjazzer!
So glad you got and like the “Between a smile and a tear” dvd. Yes, I agree, Lisa steels the picture there. She’s simply a wonderful singer and a very charming person as well (which Johnny Griffin obviously thought too!!!). I know that Lisa recently did a recording with Brasilian music after spending several months over there. I haven’t heard it yet though.
You ask if they recorded the concert I played with her. Well, it may have been recorded for television but I’m not sure.

Reminds me, I'm playing a gig on the New Morning club in Paris with Doky and Didier Lockwood (who are both in the film) on Dec 4th. The bass player will be Pierre Boussaget. Should be fun! Don't worry, I don't expect to see either you or Gregg there ... unless you plan to pop by Europe to do some Christmas shopping!?

And yes, Mads Vinding is a fantastic bass player. I’ve always enjoyed playing with him. We’ve actually been gigging together quite a bit recently as we have this trio with a Danish pianist called Carsten Dahl. Great stuff. We might do a recording with this constellation soon btw.

As for the early videos that are now online (both here and on Youtube) I’m enjoying them too! I just wathced a clip with Freddie Hubbard (and me) on Youtube. Bad picture quality but what a sound!!! Here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lglmw1izZ9k
It’s fun to see all that stuff again – and to have been a part of the whole thing.


Best wishes
Alex

[jazzgregg]

Hey Gregg, OZjazzer and whoever is out there

I truly appologize for being so slow to reply this time. Too much stuff to do lately ... you know how it is!
Anyways, thank you – again – for your posts and interest. I’ll try to catch up with it all now!


Gregg!
The Doky/Peacock recording ... aah yes, that was fun! I haven’t seen it for ages actually. Good to know they filmed the cymbals (the camera guy must have been a drummer!!!)
Thank you for the kind words about flatrides/me. Recently I’ve actually been playing a 602 flat ride instead of my usual bell ride .. and it works perfectly.

Had to smile about your wife’s comments. What a compliment!
As for being a “happy drummer”... well, she’s right. I really try to only say yes to things/gigs I WANT to do... ya know ... and say no to things I have a bad feeling about. Sometimes I actually surprise myself in these choises.
Of course it doesn’t always work. There’s always a risk of ending up in a situation you dislike because of how the music turns out, the sound, the atmosphere etc. But then I try to find something enjoyable and focus on that; even if it’s playing for the ONE person in the second row who seem to listen! That way you almost always end up having a good time after all. At least you know you’ve have tried to give your best in spite of the circumstances. There’s just nothing worse than watching/playing with musicians who are in a bad mood for some reason – and show it. That’s just so unprofessional imo and certainly not fair to either your colleagues or your audience.
If you on the other hand show and share your enthusiasm about being up there on stage playing then you’ll find it comes back to you and motivates you even more. Nothing’s more motivating than looking down at an excited audience who obviously enjoy what they see and hear. It makes you wanna play even better ..

Ok, back to the “Close Encounter” session. Lan Doky tells me it was released as vol 1 & 2 (two cd’s) on the Danish label “Storyville”. Besides there’s this video/dvd (same sound as vol 1). The year was 1989.

Peacock .. well, Gary’s a great guy!! He used to live for a period of time in a flat on top of the jazz club Montmartre in Copenhagen back in the 60s or 70s. So I saw him a lot back then. He used to come down and sit in with us. Many years later we played together again at the Kongsberg jazz festival in Norway and then we did these recordings with Lan. There was a gig at the North Sea Festival as well!

As for my cymbals – no, I never clean them except for dusting them off. But I’m always very careful with them and try to treat them with “respect” .... they are my buddies ya know .. lol.

By the way, Gregg, there’s a couple of cd copies on their way to you (The Riel-Mikkelborg group etc). I found them!



OZjazzer!
So glad you got and like the “Between a smile and a tear” dvd. Yes, I agree, Lisa steels the picture there. She’s simply a wonderful singer and a very charming person as well (which Johnny Griffin obviously thought too!!!). I know that Lisa recently did a recording with Brasilian music after spending several months over there. I haven’t heard it yet though.
You ask if they recorded the concert I played with her. Well, it may have been recorded for television but I’m not sure.

Reminds me, I'm playing a gig on the New Morning club in Paris with Doky and Didier Lockwood (who are both in the film) on Dec 4th. The bass player will be Pierre Boussaget. Should be fun! Don't worry, I don't expect to see either you or Gregg there ... unless you plan to pop by Europe to do some Christmas shopping!?

And yes, Mads Vinding is a fantastic bass player. I’ve always enjoyed playing with him. We’ve actually been gigging together quite a bit recently as we have this trio with a Danish pianist called Carsten Dahl. Great stuff. We might do a recording with this constellation soon btw.

As for the early videos that are now online (both here and on Youtube) I’m enjoying them too! I just wathced a clip with Freddie Hubbard (and me) on Youtube. Bad picture quality but what a sound!!! Here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lglmw1izZ9k
It’s fun to see all that stuff again – and to have been a part of the whole thing.


Best wishes
Alex


Alex!

I forgot to mention, I also got a copy of the Lisa DVD and loved it. So warm and touching in so many ways, not least the music. Thanks for turning us on to it. If I may ask, where were you during filming?! You were the house guy at Montmartre for years (did I juet tell YOU that?=)

Thanks so much for the kind words and thoughts with regards to your feelings about taking gigs. It really makes such a difference in what you put into it, for sure. If only all musicians shared your devotion and enthusiasm.

I'll look for the CD's of Doky Gary and you for sure, I wasn't aware there were 2 of them. 1989! What I Paiste nerd I am, I was pretty damn close with my hypothesis...

I was pretty sure you weren't a 'cymbal cleaner', but they were in such magnificent shape. Then I realized you were probably the first owner! Anything you want to sell, let me know, my deal with Paiste isn't set up yet=)

Thanks so much for sending the CDs, I'm looking forward to them! As far as Christmas shopping in Europe, well, not this year, but maybe not too far from now I'll be not too far from there (I think I owe you a beer, no? And I want some lessons!).

Thanks again Alex, I'll email you when I get and hear that stuff you sent!

G

[kenshiryu7]

hey alex

ive seen and heard a fair amount of such a huge amount of recordings uve done....im a college student and wanted to play green dolphin street for my jazz forum the way you played it with dexter gordan...i loved the switch between funk and swing u did. Keep doin ur thing.

[drummerchick435]

Hey ,sir! ;) Remember me? I'm back on your thread again. Sorry I haven't talked to you in a long time. My parents put a timer thingy on the computer.

[NUTHA JASON]

hi alex

i'm asking all the pros this question. i think the answers could be very instructive to many of us.
let's say there was a totally new drum rudiment that was suddenly discovered and was so totally applicable that any drummer worth their salt would quickly try to learn it, master it and use it in recordings and gigs. this hypothetical new rudiment is quite hard to play and totally unrelated to any other rudiment. it is so good that you know that the next time you sit in on a session the writer is probably going to ask you to use it somewhere in their song.
my question is: starting from scratch what would be your way of learning it?


thanks
j

[NUTHA JASON]

hi alex

sorry to load you up with questions when you get back on the forum but here's another one...

in the August 1992 issue of modern drummer there was a great and useful article titled: THE 25 GREATEST DRUM RECORDS. because of it i bought steely dan's AJA in a time when i was almost exclusively addicted to AC/DC.
they wrote this article by researching across the industry but in particular they asked some of the top guys for their top ten selections. i'm hoping to do a similar thing here on DW and post the reults in a separate thread eventually.
So if you would be so kind please give us a list of your own top ten (perhaps your current top 10) records/albums. it would be helpful if you identified your favourite out of those and dropped in a line why it is so...but this is not totally necessary. think of it like if you were going to be locked in a remote log cabin for a whole winter, which 10 albums would you take, if 10 were all you could take?

thanks
j

[Alex Riel]

hi alex

i'm asking all the pros this question. i think the answers could be very instructive to many of us.
let's say there was a totally new drum rudiment that was suddenly discovered and was so totally applicable that any drummer worth their salt would quickly try to learn it, master it and use it in recordings and gigs. this hypothetical new rudiment is quite hard to play and totally unrelated to any other rudiment. it is so good that you know that the next time you sit in on a session the writer is probably going to ask you to use it somewhere in their song.
my question is: starting from scratch what would be your way of learning it?


thanks
j

Hi there!
Let me appologize – once again – for taking so long to reply to this thread! Thanks for your inputs.

As for your rudiment question, Jason .. well, this is where I have to admit I’m a very slow learner! Over the years I’ve struggled more than you can imagine with learning rudiments etc. Mostly due to the fact that I simply can’t remember how they go! Often it'll take me ages to learn things that far less experienced drummers than me would pick up in a second. And you wouldn’t believe how much time it took for me to just play a proper drum roll! So, this is definately NOT where my talent lies. I guess what has made me become a decent drummer after all, has been my will and eagerness to learn these things in spite of whatever difficulties I may have with the learning process. It’s definately the musical aspect of drumming more than tecnique that has been driving me all these years ... I’ve NEEDED the tecnique to express my musicality, and therefore I’ve stuck with the rudiments after all, lol. On the bright side you could say that the satisfaction of finally getting it right is perhaps greater for me than for so many other pros. Also, even though I truly admire the technical skills of drummers like Buddy Rich, Weckl etc I’ve personally always felt more inspired by and attracted to the musicality of say Big Sid Catlett and Elvin Jones.

So, to answer your question .. I would start by spending half a year remembering which hand to start with, lol (that’s closer to the truth than you think!)

I guess for me it’s always been a question of “feeling” the rudiment. Get it into your body so it becomes a natural part of your body-drumming-language (sorry, that sounded corny!). There’re some rudiments I’ve learned and can play, but they still don’t feel right to me and so I rarely use them. Then there’s a couple of things that I KNOW I’ll feel great using because they speak to me musically, but I still haven’t learned them well enough to incorporate them just yet. Give me a couple of years more ;o) ..

One more thing I’d like to add about using rudiments. My playing is very much depending on the musicians I play with. Some musicians play in a way where incorporating rudiments just doesn’t feel right for me at all. Others inspire me to pull out rudiments all the time! That would be guys like e.g. John Scofield and Kenny Werner who’s timing and tecnique and musicality instinctly challenges me and makes me want to challenge them back, you know. That’s when you start taking chances - and the real fun begins!!! And that’s when you are grateful that you DID spend all those hours practising after all.

Best wishes and tons of triplets ..
Alex

[Alex Riel]

hi alex

sorry to load you up with questions when you get back on the forum but here's another one...

in the August 1992 issue of modern drummer there was a great and useful article titled: THE 25 GREATEST DRUM RECORDS. because of it i bought steely dan's AJA in a time when i was almost exclusively addicted to AC/DC.
they wrote this article by researching across the industry but in particular they asked some of the top guys for their top ten selections. i'm hoping to do a similar thing here on DW and post the reults in a separate thread eventually.
So if you would be so kind please give us a list of your own top ten (perhaps your current top 10) records/albums. it would be helpful if you identified your favourite out of those and dropped in a line why it is so...but this is not totally necessary. think of it like if you were going to be locked in a remote log cabin for a whole winter, which 10 albums would you take, if 10 were all you could take?

thanks
j

Here's a bunch of favourites:

John Coltrane "Africa/Brass" (Elvin)
Sonny Rollins "A Night At The Village Vanguard" (early Elvin)
Miles Davis "Milestones" (Philly Joe Jones)
Count Basie "The Atomic Basie" (Sonny Payne)
Ralph Towner "Solstice" (Jon Christensen)
Tommy Flanagan Trio in Stockholm, 1957 (Elvin playing brushes!)
Ella in Berlin "Mack The Knife" (Gus Johnson)
Wayne Shorter "Speak No Evil" (Elvin)
Clifford Brown with strings (Max Roach)
Rolling Stones, "Got Live If You Want It" (Charlie Watts)
Fats Waller "Ain't Misbehavin" (Zutty Singleton)
Krupa and Rich (!!)
Thelonious Monk "Misterioso" (Roy Haynes)
Toots Thielemans "Slow Motion" (well, that's me on drums .. but it's a brilliant record nevertheless!!)
Armstrong with Big Sid Catlett!!!



All the best,
Alex

[Vinnysimmo]

Alex, Im asking all the pro drummers on the board this. Who, in our opinion, is the best drummer ever?

[Alex Riel]

Alex, Im asking all the pro drummers on the board this. Who, in our opinion, is the best drummer ever?


Big Sid Catlett & Elvin Jones !!

[bballdrummer34]

Hey Alex,
Who have you been listening to lately?

[Alex Riel]

Hey Alex,
Who have you been listening to lately?

Hi there,
Well, to be honest I've been quite busy gigging so I haven't had much time to go to other concerts. Plus when I'm off duty I tend to prefer NO music at all, lol.

I did however have the great pleasure to attend a couple of Genesis concerts recently that really impressed me. In my book Chester Thompson and Phil Collins are both excellent drummers. The whole show was amazing .. and very inspiring.

Other than that I've been listening to a few cd's with, well .. different stuff, from Jaco and Herbie to Ray Brown, Pierre Boussaget and Clark Terry ...


By the way, my website (http://www.alexriel.dk/biography.htm) has been laying still for quite a while. But it is in the process of being updated now. The whole site should be done by the end of July. Also, I've just released a new CD with my trio .. here's a bit of info (more coming) www.alexriel.dk/disc_trio.htm

Best wishes,
Alex

[jazzgregg]

Hi there,
Well, to be honest I've been quite busy gigging so I haven't had much time to go to other concerts. Plus when I'm off duty I tend to prefer NO music at all, lol.

I did however have the great pleasure to attend a couple of Genesis concerts recently that really impressed me. In my book Chester Thompson and Phil Collins are both excellent drummers. The whole show was amazing .. and very inspiring.

Other than that I've been listening to a few cd's with, well .. different stuff, from Jaco and Herbie to Ray Brown, Pierre Boussaget and Clark Terry ...


By the way, my website (http://www.alexriel.dk/biography.htm) has been laying still for quite a while. But it is in the process of being updated now. The whole site should be done by the end of July. Also, I've just released a new CD with my trio .. here's a bit of info (more coming)

Best wishes,
Alex

Great news Alex, plus, long time no talk!

Where are we going to be able to buy this new album (or can we already and I just missed it?)? Looks great and the first album from that trio is fantastic. I expect this one to be equally as good a least, right?=)

I picked up the Bill Evans DVD too, great stuff- once again lots of great brush playing. I was never the biggest fan of Eddie with Bill though, but it all sounds good. Highly recommended all around for those reading.

So what's the deal with this Niels Lan Doky album? It looks like a great concept and I will be looking for this one too! He's such a great player and I'm happy to see you two working together again! No Gary Peacock this time though?! I have to admit, I don't know Pierre Boussaget at all.

G

[Alex Riel]

Great news Alex, plus, long time no talk!

Where are we going to be able to buy this new album (or can we already and I just missed it?)? Looks great and the first album from that trio is fantastic. I expect this one to be equally as good a least, right?=)

I picked up the Bill Evans DVD too, great stuff- once again lots of great brush playing. I was never the biggest fan of Eddie with Bill though, but it all sounds good. Highly recommended all around for those reading.

So what's the deal with this Niels Lan Doky album? It looks like a great concept and I will be looking for this one too! He's such a great player and I'm happy to see you two working together again! No Gary Peacock this time though?! I have to admit, I don't know Pierre Boussaget at all.

G


Hey Gregg,
The new trio cd is brand new and has hardly hit the stores in Denmark yet. Hopefully it won't be long before it's available online somewhere. Maybe this is the place to look for it by that time: www.cdconnection.com/cd_and_dvd/search/alex_riel?s=ISW8aV2QKfWl

I'm glad you like the first trio-album .. and the Bill Evans DVD. Thanks!

Pierre Boussaguet from France is one of the finest bass players out of that country, and out of Europe for that matter. He and Ray Brown were great friends and even performed as a duo ..which tells you something about Pierre's caliber, lol. I love playing with this guy! He's certainly a worthy replacement for Gary Peacock in Lan's trio. :o)

All the best
Alex

[bballdrummer34]

I've been waiting a long time to introduce myself. My name is Jay Sawyer and I'm studying jazz at Western Michigan University. I study with drummers Keith Hall and Billy Hart. I really love your playing and I just wanted to touch base with you since we have this wonderful opportunity here on the forum. I'll probably be asking you questions already answered but I've just been patiently waiting my turn. Are you in the states right now?

[Alex Riel]

I've been waiting a long time to introduce myself. My name is Jay Sawyer and I'm studying jazz at Western Michigan University. I study with drummers Keith Hall and Billy Hart. I really love your playing and I just wanted to touch base with you since we have this wonderful opportunity here on the forum. I'll probably be asking you questions already answered but I've just been patiently waiting my turn. Are you in the states right now?

Hey Jay,
It's nice to "meet" you! Thank you very much for the kind words. Feel free to ask anything you'd like. I'll be happy to answer (even though I'm a little slow sometimes if things are too busy here).

I'm not in the States. I'm home in Denmark (Europe!) where the Copenhagen Jazzfestival just started. I'll be playing in Europe and the Far East in the nearest future. No plans this moment to play in the States. Hopefully something comes up soon.

I wish you the best with your studies. Please say hi to Billy from me.

All the best
Alex

[bballdrummer34]

I guess i'll start with a question that has been on my mind for awhile. I am curious about the secret to prepetual motion as far as drumming goes. My favorite examples of it are guys like Bill Stewart and Brian Blade. I've come up with the "second line" as my answer. I was wondering what you think. I know you have it because i watch that video of you and that trio frequently. What do you think ?

[Alex Riel]

I guess i'll start with a question that has been on my mind for awhile. I am curious about the secret to prepetual motion as far as drumming goes. My favorite examples of it are guys like Bill Stewart and Brian Blade. I've come up with the "second line" as my answer. I was wondering what you think. I know you have it because i watch that video of you and that trio frequently. What do you think ?

Lol, I gotta admit at first I didn't have a clue what you were talking about! I'm just a simple Dane, remember ;o))

But I guess you are asking how I keep up the energy level throughout a tune/gig? To be honest it's never been something I really thought about ... and maybe THAT's the secret. When I play I block out all other thoughts and focus completely on the music so that all my energy is canalized INTO the music. The moment you begin wondering about something else ... whether it be someone you know in the audience, or if it shows you are nervous, if the soloist likes your playing, if they noticed the mistake you just made etc etc .. in that moment you loose energy. And in that moment you hinder your own playing, and everybody else's for that matter.

If you focus 100% on the music and allow yourself to get absorbed by it .. be IN it .. then the energy flows freely and will even accumulate, especially if the musicians on stage have the right chemestry so that what you give out comes back to you with more energy. So, when I say "focus on the music" I do mean the MUSIC and not your own drumming alone. After all it's the common output that matters and what energy you bring into it; not how many fancy rudiments you throw into a tune.
As I've mentioned before in this thread, my weakness (one of them) is that I can't remember a thing .. tunes, arrangements etc! But that weakness has actually forced - and taught- me to listen intensively to what's going on here and now on stage; pick up vibes and nuances in the OTHER guy's playing and relate to them insted of falling into the trap of being focused on my own playing. That's why I normally feel quite comfortable going on stage, even when I don't have a clue what we are going to play, lol. I just have to trust my "ears" (and the monitors!)

I can't really point to a certain thing I play to keep up the energy level. I haven't got a special trick or magic rudiment that I pull out; at least not that I'm aware of! I guess whatever I play .. or don't play (!) ... it's because it feels right to me in that moment, musically as well as "energy-wise" because it relates to something the other guys play.
Of course sometimes you also take chances and try out something new while you are being very aware of it .. especially if it doesn't work out, lol! ... but then you just have to move on and focus on the next moment in the music. And keep up the energy.

One more thing that I find VERY important: My energy level when playing is very much relying on the well-being of my body/mind. If I'm hungry, cold, tired etc I simply cannot deliver what is expected of me on stage.
So for me, an important part of being a professional drummer is: Keeping fit, eating as healthy as possibly and trying to maintain a positive attitude to life! Before I go on stage you can be sure I've had a nap and had some food that gives me energy, not drains me for energy (like junk food would) .. and time to digest it as well! You can also be sure that I'm not drunk. At least not till after the gig ;o)
I know this may sound a little silly, or even fanatic, to some. But trust me, after so many years in the business I can assure you it DOES matter. I'm sure most of my collegues will say the same.

Did that make sense? And did it answer your question at all??

Best wishes
Alex

[bballdrummer34]

I completely agree with everything you said. I know that if you let your mind get in the way you take away from where the music could and would have naturally gone. I also know that i can't practice when im hungry lol. But, I guess my question is coming from a more technical stand point. For me when i here cats like you and bill stewart and other musicians that aren't necessarilly famous for their chops, but for their feel, i have to wonder why. Not why they dont have chops but HOW they create that comfortable, floating, addicting feel; to the point where all you can do is bob your head to it. The reason i said the "second line" is because that music always gives me that feeling. I could listen to it all day and all night. But i think some drummers today fail to learn that stuff. I call it perpetual motion because feels never-ending, similar to how triplets feel like a revolution. I don't it's just been the concept on my mind lately.

[Alex Riel]

I completely agree with everything you said. I know that if you let your mind get in the way you take away from where the music could and would have naturally gone. I also know that i can't practice when im hungry lol. But, I guess my question is coming from a more technical stand point. For me when i here cats like you and bill stewart and other musicians that aren't necessarilly famous for their chops, but for their feel, i have to wonder why. Not why they dont have chops but HOW they create that comfortable, floating, addicting feel; to the point where all you can do is bob your head to it. The reason i said the "second line" is because that music always gives me that feeling. I could listen to it all day and all night. But i think some drummers today fail to learn that stuff. I call it perpetual motion because feels never-ending, similar to how triplets feel like a revolution. I don't it's just been the concept on my mind lately.


Hi again Jay,

How to create "that comfortable, floating, addicting feel" ?

Hmmm tough question. All I can think of is that it comes down to listening, like I said in the previous post. Listening to the common musical output and how my drumming fits with it. And avoid playing stuff that will work as show stoppers! If you pay attention, your ears will tell you if the flow isn't there! When the music seems to "stutter" (don't know the right word in English?), then you're doing something wrong and need to change whatever you're doing. I never think about second line to be honest. I just play whatever feels right .. play "through my ears" so to speak.
I really don't know how to explain it from a technical point of view, lol ... probably because it's all about "feel" !! ;o)

Interesting question though. Feel free to ask again anytime!

Best wishes,
Alex

[Alex Riel]

By the way .. perhaps I should mention that I now have a profile on MySpace: www.myspace.com/alexriel

Best wishes,
Alex

[bballdrummer34]

By the way .. perhaps I should mention that I now have a profile on MySpace: www.myspace.com/alexriel

Best wishes,
Alex

Hey Alex,
I just friended you on MySpace and I just want to tell you again how much I love your feel and style of playing. I'll have more questions as soon as I can think of them. Until, then, tell me what you think of the tracks on my page if you would.

[Reticuli]

Hello Alex!

I'm a 17-year-old drummer living in Åland. We have this jazz festival here in the summer, Alandia Jazz Festival, and this year you were hired to play with Vladimir Shafranov and Mads Vinding! You can't imagine how much I was looking forward to it. But then you got another gig – and had to cancel the gig in Åland. I don't blame you, such things happens... A pity!
And then these drummers where asked to come, none of which could: (in order) Morten Lund, Ed Thigpen & Al Heath (isn't that an incredible list!?). Daniel Fredriksson (Sweden) ended up playing the concerts. An amazing player and person!

The only recording I've heard with you is Johnny Griffin and the Great Danes. I love it, but I wan't to hear more of you. The problem is money. I don't want to download. Also a pity ;)

How strict is your Paiste endorsement? I mean, you mentioned playing a Zildjian cymbal and a Chinese made? Is that "okay"? I really, really love Paistes for most styles except jazz. They should really develop more jazz cymbals. You and Ian Froman, two jazz greats playing Paiste, are playing mostly prototypes. Why doesn't Paiste make those sounds for us normal people? Couldn't you make a signature cymbal or something?

PS. Gonna visit Vladimir Shafranov in a few weeks, he lives 300 meters from me; do you know him? DS.

[Alex Riel]

Hello Alex!

I'm a 17-year-old drummer living in Åland. We have this jazz festival here in the summer, Alandia Jazz Festival, and this year you were hired to play with Vladimir Shafranov and Mads Vinding! You can't imagine how much I was looking forward to it. But then you got another gig – and had to cancel the gig in Åland. I don't blame you, such things happens... A pity!
And then these drummers where asked to come, none of which could: (in order) Morten Lund, Ed Thigpen & Al Heath (isn't that an incredible list!?). Daniel Fredriksson (Sweden) ended up playing the concerts. An amazing player and person!

The only recording I've heard with you is Johnny Griffin and the Great Danes. I love it, but I wan't to hear more of you. The problem is money. I don't want to download. Also a pity ;)

How strict is your Paiste endorsement? I mean, you mentioned playing a Zildjian cymbal and a Chinese made? Is that "okay"? I really, really love Paistes for most styles except jazz. They should really develop more jazz cymbals. You and Ian Froman, two jazz greats playing Paiste, are playing mostly prototypes. Why doesn't Paiste make those sounds for us normal people? Couldn't you make a signature cymbal or something?

PS. Gonna visit Vladimir Shafranov in a few weeks, he lives 300 meters from me; do you know him? DS.

Hi,
Great to hear from you. I truly appreciate your interest. It’s a great pleasure to know that a young drummer as yourself doesn’t mind listening to an old fart like me! ;o)

Yes, it was a matter of really unfortunate circumstances that I couldn’t make the gig in Åland as planned (the big gigs/project I had in the days just prior to that was being extended, so I was put in a very difficult situation there … long story!). Trust me, I had been looking very much forward to going to Åland! Fortunately the arrangers were very understanding of my situation, and we agreed to try to make it happen next year instead. Hope it works out, and that you’ll be able catch it! I’m glad you enjoyed the concert. I’m sure Daniel Frederiksson did a great job! Oh and please tell Vladimir Shafranov hi from me when you see him. I really hope we’ll get to play together soon!!!! :o)

The Griffin CD was fun. I’ve played with Johnny on many occassions – and througout many years – and I’ve always loved his playing and his personality. A great guy, and truly a little giant. So sad that he’s no longer with us!

I’ve been endorsed by Paiste since 1969 (wow, I just realise that’s almost 40 years!!!). The family/company has always treated me exceptionally well, and provided me with excellent gear, and so I’ve always been proud and happy to play their cymbals. It’s no secret that I’m particularly fond of their flat rides .. nothings beats and old 602 flat ride.;o) No, I don’t think they mind I sometimes played a no-brand Chinese crash for a while. The Ziljian must be have been an old K, and many many years ago; I hardly remember anymore. Anyways, for a long time now, I’ve been back to a Paiste only cymbal set-up and I love it. You are right though, that their focus seems to be more on rock. I would LOVE to make a Paiste signature jazz cymbal …. I’ve never been asked .. or asked them .. but who knows, maybe one day. ;o)

Thanks again for your message. I wish you all the best with your drumming!

Best wishes,
Alex


By the way, I'm going to post some more very soon. Got lots of stuff to tell you .. about new releases etc. So stay tuned. :o)

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Looking forward to hearing from you Alex.