EL PORTAL

The quintet EL PORTAL formed by Nolan Lem on saxophone, Rainer Davies on electric guitar, Paul Bedal on Fender Rhodes, Joe Rehmer on bass and Dion Keith Kerr IV on drums, originated in Miami, taking their name from a suburb of 2,500 inhabitants. "It was in the autumn of 2006 when the five musicians found themselves hiding out in the same house for days from the violent Hurricane Katrina. They made a pact that, if all of them escaped unharmed, they would found a jazz band together. Not exactly typical. Although the end of their studies has spread them far and wide apart (Miami, Kansas City, Chicago and Foligno [Italy], where Joe Rehmer has taken up residence), they work hard to meet on Wednesday afternoons at the Lions Club. Their strong bond can be easily heard on this record. Their varied listening habits and performing experience are reflected in the currency read more...