Michel Portal is a venerated figure in both the classical and jazz music worlds, renowned for his virtuosity as a clarinetist, as well as his work as a saxophonist and composer. Born on November 27, 1935, in Bayonne, France, Portal has successfully navigated a career that has seen him embrace a vast spectrum of musical genres, defying categorization and continuously redefining his artistic boundaries.

Portal's classical credentials are unassailable, as evidenced in his recent releases like "Brahms: Clarinet Sonatas, Op. 120 & Clarinet Trio, Op. 114," and his interpretations of Mozart's masterpieces in "Mozart: Quintette avec clarinette K. 581, Trio 'des Quilles' K. 498," and "Mozart: Clarinet Concerto; Symphonies Nos. 21 & 27." However, his love for improvisation and his adventurous spirit have seen him delve into the world of jazz and avant-garde music with equal aplomb. His albums such as "MP85" and "Bailador" showcase his seamless fusion of jazz with other musical expressions, while "Remembering Weather Report" pays homage to the pioneering jazz fusion group. Not restricted to studio recordings, Portal's live performances, examples of which can be heard in "Concerts (Live)" and "Radar (Live at Theater Gütersloh) [European Jazz Legends, Vol. 7]," demonstrate his prodigious live prowess and ability to captivate audiences. His contributions to music also extend to film scores, as captured in "Un été à la garoupe (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)," further solidifying his status as a multi-faceted artist. Michel Portal's career, spanning over half a century, remains a testament to a relentless pursuit of musical exploration and excellence.

Genres

Bandoneon

Classical Clarinet

French Jazz

Related Artists

Benny Goodman

Jan Garbarek

Richard Galliano

John Surman

Jean-Luc Ponty

Henri Texier

John Coltrane

Bill Evans

Herbie Hancock

Charlie Parker

Louis Sclavis

Sonny Rollins

Latest Release

Brahms: Clarinet Sonatas, Op. 120 & Clarinet Trio, Op. 114

Johannes Brahms•

Michel Portal

Album - 11 Tracks - Released August 26, 2022