Name: Our Meanings and Our Feelings - Michel Portal (LP)
Brand: Michel Portal
SKU: 2EEu3KL1DN5vGFkp4mCh6q

Album Description

"Our Meanings and Our Feelings," released in 1969, is a seminal work by French jazz innovator Michel Portal. This album is a captivating blend of French jazz, free jazz, and chamber music, showcasing Portal's versatility and mastery of multiple instruments, including the tenor saxophone, clarinet, and the unique zokra, an oriental clarinet that adds a distinctive touch to the record. Recorded in a single day at the Pathé Marconi studios in Paris, the album features an impressive ensemble including drummers Jacques Thollot and Aldo Romano, bassist Jean-François Jenny-Clark, and pianist Joachim Kühn. Despite the lack of rehearsals, the musicians' chemistry is evident, resulting in a cohesive and spontaneous sound. The five tracks, ranging from the introspective "For My Mother" to the exotic "Dear Old Morocco," offer a rich sonic experience that highlights Portal's unique compositional style and improvisational prowess. This album is a testament to the creative energy and collaborative spirit of the French jazz scene in the late 1960s.

29 sep 1969

Label Parlophone, ℗ 1969 Warner Music France

About Michel Portal

Michel Portal is a French musical polymath, renowned for his virtuosity on the saxophone, clarinet, and bandonéon. Born in 1935, Portal has been a pivotal figure in both the jazz and classical worlds, earning him the title of one of the architects of modern European jazz. His career spans over five decades, marked by a relentless spirit of experimentation and a deep respect for musical tradition.

Portal's journey began with classical training at the Conservatoire de Paris, but he soon ventured into the realms of jazz and free improvisation. He has collaborated with a myriad of renowned musicians and composers, pushing the boundaries of musical genres and creating a unique sound that blends jazz, classical, and world music elements. His work has been recognized with numerous awards, including three César Awards and a Sept d’Or.

Portal's discography is as diverse as it is extensive, with notable works that showcase his mastery of various genres. Whether he's performing as a soloist, a chamber musician, or leading his own ensembles like the Michel Portal Unit, his performances are always marked by a dazzling technique and an expressive depth that sets him apart. Beyond his instrumental prowess, Portal is also a prolific composer, with a significant body of work in film and television scores. His music is not just heard; it's experienced, making every performance a journey into the depths of his artistic vision.