Heading over to Montpelier for a set by the Henri Texier Septet – recorded by France Musique this past July 10, 2024.
Continuing to put up evidence that Jazz is alive and well and still kicking, Henri Texier is a name that’s been around a while – been heavily involved in Free Jazz in France and is still putting it out, getting around, spreading the message.
At the age of sixteen, fascinated by the double bass, Henri Texier became a self-taught bassist, crediting Wilbur Ware most as an influence. He formed his first group with Georges Locatelli, Alain Tabar-Nouval, Jean-Max Albert, and Klaus Hagel, inspired by the music of Don Cherry and Ornette Coleman. In spite of an almost absence of recorded documents this group represents one of the first expressions of free jazz in France (1965).
From 1968 to 1972, Texier was a member of Phil Woods and his European Rhythm Machine, along with George Gruntz, Gordon Beck and Daniel Humair. Throughout the 1970s, Texier remained active in Europe on the jazz scene, performing with musicians such as John Abercrombie and Didier Lockwood, among others. In 1982, he formed a quartet with Louis Sclavis.[1] With the trio Romano-Sclavis-Texier, he collaborated in three albums having for theme Africa as seen by the photographer Guy Le Querrec: Carnet de routes, Suite africaine and African Flashback.
Just turning 80 this past January, Henri Texier is very active, particularly around Europe where Jazz is still a vital entity in the cultural vitality of the continent. Further evidence it’s still living, breathing and in need of support, whether its by heading over to Jazz Music Archives and checking out his substantial discography or by keeping your eyes peeled for new gigs, especially festival gigs.
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