Michel Portal: Baïlador

 Michel Portal

Baïlador

(Universal Music France)

Michel Portal’s transatlantic collaboration blends the easy-going riffs and dancing melodies of Mediterranean-inflected jazz with New York’s bite and flow. Drummer Jack DeJohnette delivers polyrhythmic finesse, Lionel Loueke picks subtly on guitar and trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire adds sensitive support.

But it is Portal’s hybrid vision that dominates, helped by on-song pianist Bojan Z’s well-balanced production. The title track is a slow-burning rocker with a lilting theme, “Alto Blues” recalls Eric Dolphy with a softer edge and “One on One” is a modal bustle.