About this event
Every musician who has crossed his path agrees: Géraud Portal is one of the finest bass players one could hope to share a stage with. Gifted with a rare sense of listening, interaction and placement, he has established himself over the years as one of the leading double bass players on the European scene. His journey began at a very young age in his native Berry, before he was quickly spotted by several major figures of French jazz, and later invited to New York by the great saxophonist David S. Ware. He soon became a reference for many American artists touring in Europe, multiplying prestigious collaborations along the way. As the master of ceremonies of the jam sessions at the legendary Duc des Lombards for several years, he further affirmed his unique presence: solid, inventive, and deeply musical. Based in Belgium for the past five years, he now takes advantage of a carte blanche offered by Toots to bring together an XXL band with a dream line-up, and to record a new live album where interplay will reign supreme: organic jazz, shaped by restless minds and virtuoso hands.