On this session,
Michel Portal is featured with an eclectic and impressive crew from different backgrounds, generations, and nationalities. Two rising figures of the French scene (pianist
Bojan Zulfikarpasic and bassist
Bruno Chevillon), two American stars (bassist
Steve Swallow and drummer
Joey Baron), and German trumpeter
Markus Stockhausen, son of composer
Karlheinz, join forces to create stimulating music. Beyond their differences, all share a characteristic versatility which contributes greatly to the success of this session. Overall,
Portal remains true to his European esthetics, and even his heartfelt and faithful rendition of
Carla Bley's "Ida Lupino" or his tribute to
Eric Dolphy do not distract from the prevalent mood. In fact, on "Dolphy," the song's angular structure is reminiscent of the legendary American, but the atmosphere has more to do with
John Surman, another great practitioner of the bass clarinet, the instrument
Portal uses most on
Dockings. "Mutinerie" is the composition that summarizes best the content of this recording, with a strong and engaging melody leading to an improvisation that takes the music outside through substantial and dramatic statements by
Portal,
Stockhausen, and
Zulfikarpasic.
Baron plays with confidence and authority without sacrificing subtlety when needed. As for
Chevillon and
Swallow, they share responsibilities without ever stepping on each other's feet.
Dockings is arguably one of the most successful and accessible projects in
Michel Portal's long-lasting career. ~ Alain Drouot