Originally, Zwingenberger studied classical piano (for 11 solid years), before discovering such authentic blues artists as Albert Ammons, Meade ‘Lux’ Lewis, and Pete Johnson, who served as an immediate influence on the pianist. ~ Allmusic: Axel Zwingenberger ~ retrieved May 5, 2014 © Allmusic

Zwingenberger has effectively attached his personal mark to the music, that is performed as “classical Boogie Woogie” today, and even defined it to a high degree. As German Boogie Woogie piano veteran Leopold von Knobelsdorff has written in his original liner notes for Axel's first solo album in 1976, Axel has combined the quite diverse musical stylings of his heroes, Boogie pioneers Pete Johnson, Meade Lux Lewis and Albert Ammons of the 1930s and 1940s, with his own ideas in an inimitable way. Thus, he has created a distinctive style which has been widely copied and meanwhile is presented by his successors as the “natural” Boogie Woogie style which pays respect to the roots of this music. ~ All About Jazz: Axel Zwingenberger ~ retrieved May 5, 2014 © All About Jazz