ALEX RIEL 1940 - 2024

ALEX RIEL 1940 - 2024

We are saddened by the news of Alex Riel’s passing on June 9 at the age of 83. Alex was a major protagonist of the Danish jazz scene, playing with international greats such as Archie Shepp, Kenny Drew, Dexter Gordon, Bill Evans, Wayne Shorter, Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen, Palle Mikkelborg, Peter Herbolzheimer and many others. Originally a timpanist with the Danish Radio Symphony Orchestra, he switched to playing drums in a New Orleans style group at a young age. Through Swing and Bebop he then became involved with the Avantgarde. Alex Riel had been a Paiste endorser since 1969 and remained loyal to playing the Formula 602 Series until his passing. He will be remembered not only as an influential drummer, but also as a lovely human being.