Michel Portal

Michel Portal

Michel Portal, the great French clarinettist, came to fame in the 1960s-70s as a performer of complex new music compositions, premiering works by Boulez and others and being a member of Stockhausen’s ensembles. Interests grew to encompass jazz as well as recording with Prince’s musicians. Also noted for his scores to many films including “The Return of Martin Guerre.”

Portal can be considered as the father figure of the French modern jazz scene. A master of improvisation, he created the ‘Michel Portal Unit’ in 1970 with American soloists. This eclectic and exceptional musician also had a serious interest in folk music and jazz, as well as in improvised music and movies soundtracks. His most notable collaborators include Pierre Favre, Dave Liebman, Martial Solal, Mino Cinelu, and Jack DeJohnette.