While the Italian and Dutch jazz scenes seem to have garnered all the attention lately, the French jazz scene has a strong presence, as this CD can attest. The frenetic accordion of Richard Galliano and the clarinet work of Michel Portal are the perfect complement for each other on this live album, recorded in Paris in May of 1996. The duo performs a collection of Astor Piazzolla, Hermeto Pascoal, and original tunes that blur the lines between world music and jazz. Pascoal's "Chorinho Pra Ele" is reminiscent of Carl Stalling, or perhaps the neo-alpine folk of Die Knodel. Piazzolla's "Libertango" is a squeeze-box duet, with Portal on bandoneon. Galliano-penned tunes are introspective, while Portal's swing. All in all, even with the countless tango and Piazzolla-related collections, it's a recommended record. Be sure to play it loudly; it just gets better with volume.
