Michel Portal

Michel Portal (born 27 November 1935) is a French clarinetist, saxophonist and composer known for blending jazz, classical and film music; active since the 1950s.

Plays clarinet (including bass clarinet), saxophones (soprano and alto) and bandoneon. Works span jazz, classical chamber music and film scores. The reviewed album Minneapolis (2001) features Tony Hymas (keyboards), Vernon Reid (guitar), Sonny Thompson (bass) and Michael Bland (drums); it comprises 14 original tracks mixing funk, improvisation and lyrical reinterpretations (review highlights a reinterpretation of Mingus's "Good Bye Pork Pie Hat"). DeBaser also references Portal's performances of Mozart clarinet repertoire.

An admiring review of Michel Portal's album Minneapolis emphasizing his eclectic range from jazz to classical and film music. The reviewer praises the ensemble (including Tony Hymas, Vernon Reid, Sonny Thompson and Michael Bland) and Portal's use of bass clarinet, saxophones and bandoneon. The Minneapolis album (14 original tracks) is presented as a successful experiment blending funk, improvisation and lyrical passages. The review recommends re-listening and positions the album as enduring.

For:Jazz listeners, fans of genre-crossing music, clarinet and classical aficionados