Michel studied piano before discovering jazz horns in the group "New Orleans". After a three-year stay in North Africa, numerous encounters (Sardanajazz, Archie Shepp, Mal Waldron, Doudou Gouirand, Louis Sclavis, Gavachs...) and big band discoveries, he established himself as an eclectic and original stylist, playing "world music" before the term was even invented, with playing partners from Europe, America, Africa and India.