9.11 pm Town Hall

Album Description

Recorded live at the 1988 JVC Jazz Festival in New York City's iconic Town Hall, "9.11 pm Town Hall" captures a stellar ensemble of French jazz virtuosos led by the renowned Swiss drummer and composer, Daniel Humair. This album is a testament to the power of live jazz performance, featuring an all-star lineup that includes Michel Portal on saxophones, clarinet, and bandoneon, Martial Solal and Joachim Kühn on pianos, Jean-François Jenny-Clark on bass, and Marc Ducret on guitar.

The seven-track album, released on June 29, 1988, under the Label Bleu, showcases the musicians' exceptional improvisational skills and deep musical chemistry. Humair's dynamic drumming drives the ensemble through a diverse set of compositions, ranging from the free-form exploration of "From Time to Time Free" to the bluesy grooves of "Alto Blues" and the intricate interplay of "Medley." Each track offers a unique perspective on the band's collective virtuosity, highlighting the individual talents of each musician while maintaining a cohesive and engaging sound.

"9.11 pm Town Hall" is a captivating snapshot of a historic live performance, offering jazz enthusiasts an opportunity to experience the energy and spontaneity of a live concert. The album's duration of 1 hour and 15 minutes provides ample time to immerse oneself in the rich textures and intricate melodies that define this exceptional gathering of jazz masters. Whether you're a longtime fan of Daniel Humair or a newcomer to the world of French jazz, this live album is sure to captivate and inspire.

June 29, 1988

1988 Label Bleu

About Daniel Humair

Daniel Humair, born in Geneva in 1938, is a Swiss jazz legend who has made an indelible mark on the international jazz scene as a drummer, composer, and painter. With a career spanning over six decades, Humair has been at the forefront of European jazz, collaborating with some of the most renowned musicians from both sides of the Atlantic. His discography is a testament to his versatility, encompassing styles from post-bop and fusion to avant-garde jazz. Beyond his musical prowess, Humair is also celebrated for his abstract paintings, which have found their way into prestigious collections across Europe. His contributions to cinema include composing scores for films like "Une sale affaire" and performing in movies such as "The Red Circle" and "Beyond Therapy." Humair's ability to blend power, elegance, and thoughtfulness in his music has earned him numerous accolades, including being named a Chevalier and Officier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. Whether on stage, in the studio, or in front of a canvas, Daniel Humair continues to inspire with his artistic vision and technical mastery.