Erik Kooger

Christian Pabst: Rhythm Riot

by Frank Housh
April 25, 2025

On April 4, 2025, Italian-based German pianist and composer Christian Pabst released Rhythm Riot, his sixth album. All songs are composed by Pabst and feature bassist André Nendza and drummer Erik Kooger, with whom he recorded Balbec (JazzSick Records, 2021). Rhythm Riot is a satisfying musical exploration from three rising contributors to an iconic musical form. The album begins with “Incoming Signal;" Pabst sets the tone with a syncopated chordal riff before Nendza and Kooger add ...