“Promises”. Plural. A few years ago Michel Portal, who has been an asset to European jazz for decades and notorious for crossing the boundaries between free improvisation, folklore, film and new music, had a surprise in store with a hand-picked super group (incl. DeJohnette, Akinmusire, Colley, Loueke) and an exquisite album: “Bailador”. Something similar could be the case with his current trio project which has already done a few gigs. Drummer Jeff Ballard has been a guest of Enjoy Jazz several times as sideman of Mehldau and a member of Fly, and with “Time’s Tales” most recently made his mark as a leader (also with Loueke!). Keyboarder Hays, born 1968, is considered one of the most important pianists of his generation, and has played with Mehldau, Scofield, Loueke, Ron Carter and Joshua Redman, and has recorded over a dozen albums as a leader. Kevin Hays’ unusual 2005 solo album is programmatically titled “Open Range”. This could be another reason why this concert evening promises to be something special.
