Search - Alex Riel :: Celebration

An Absolutely Spectacular Jazz CD

Stephen A. Smith | Boston, MA | 03/04/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Alex Riel: "Celebration"; Stunt Records 00232, ©2001.In Your Own Sweet Way [7:28] / Bye Bye Blackbird [11:05] / Autumn Leaves [13:38] / Peace [11:46] / A Child Is Born [6:49] / On Green Dolphin Street [10:08] / You And The Night And The Music [10:15] / Siciliana [7:33].Kenny Werner, piano; Jesper Lundgaard, bass; Alex Riel, drums."Celebration" was recorded at the Copenhagen JazzHouse on Alex Riel's 60th birthday [September 13, 2000]. In this performance, Riel has both given and received a spectacular present. Few live albums keep the listener rapt, feeling as if he were actually in the room. This is one of those, a five-star record.Brad Mehldau has re-popularized jazz piano's romance with Impressionism, but Werner is a reminder that this link was never lost. His classical expositions -- from his cadenza on "Autumn Leaves" to his solo rendition of Bach's "Siciliana," an homage to Riel -- reveal a profound understanding of how to draw from that intellect and sensitivity within the spectrum of jazz. Yet Werner never languishes in introspection. Interaction is constant and provocative. Lundgaard follows in the steps of Paul Chambers and Milt Hinton, and has mastered the contradictory art of cementing motion; while Riel is the consummate bandleader, filling the gaps and complementing his musicians' every thought."Celebration" is a program of oft-heard songs and exceptional performances. It echoes the message of Keith Jarrett's trio: Standards are relevant to today's music. To jazz musicians, they are both catalysts and aphrodisiacs, sparking conversation amongst beautiful melody and captivating harmonies. "Celebration" epitomizes this potential; and appropriately Riel, on his 60th birthday, is reminded that some things are timeless."