Taking frequent trips to Henri Texier’s inspirational planet is sensible and an absolute necessity. Texier is one of France’s most respected bass players and this hot new album is here to remind us that his music is like a marketplace, full of life and people. The album features the musician’s long-term friends and collaborators (Sébastien Texier, Vincent Lê Quang, Manu Codjia, and Gautier Garrigue). It also touches on many of the themes and values that he cherishes, as shown in the songs’ symbolic titles (Cinecitta, Simone et Robert - for Simone Veil and Robert Badinter, and Pina B - for Pina Bausch). The album is entitled Chance (Luck) and for Texier it is about being lucky:
“Lucky for being here today, for having played with so many marvelous musicians, for having shared so much with inspired artists who trusted me and taught me their arts. Lucky for having had enough energy to feel the freedom, excitement, weightlessness, and fullness of jazz music. Lucky for always keeping a warm and dedicated audience around me. Lucky for having been able to conduct my artistic projects freely, in particular those recorded, filmed, photographed, and illustrated by Philippe Teissier du Cros, Guy Le Querrec, and Christophe Rémy. Lucky for having been able to work with Sébastien Texier, Vincent Lê Quang, Manu Codjia (insanely good on Cinecitta!), and Gautier Garrigue. They are all brilliant and inspired musicians—thanks to whom I can still explore the new territories of this rich and emotional music. Lucky, finally, for having, after all these years, only very few regrets.”
Is everything said? Not totally. The listener will also be lucky. Lucky to spend 54 minutes immersed in this plural and collective jazz trip. Henri Texier is a musician even more than a bass player and he thinks of his music as such, with a true sense of narrative. Exquisite. © Marc Zisman/Qobuz