Featuring Stefan Pasborg (drums), Fredrik Lundin (tenor sax), and Carsten Dahl (piano).

Stefan Pasborg’s Dear Alex is a deeply personal tribute to Danish drumming legend Alex Riel, a towering figure in jazz whose influence spanned generations. More than just a musical mentor, Riel was Pasborg’s legal godfather and a guiding presence in his life. With this album, Pasborg honors their bond and Riel’s immense legacy, bringing together a trio of top Danish musicians–Carsten Dahl (piano) and Fredrik Lundin (tenor sax)–to celebrate Riel’s spirit.

The inspiration for the album came when Pasborg discovered a handwritten list of Riel’s favorite songs. Deeply moved, he invited Dahl and Lundin into the studio to reimagine these timeless melodies with the same spontaneity and warmth that characterized Riel’s playing. The result is a collection of heartfelt interpretations, capturing both the playfulness and depth that made Ri