Henri Texier - Sky Dancers (2016) Hi Res

Return Henri Texier, legend of the transalpine jazz, with the last mutation of the group started with Francois Corneloup to the baritone and the son Sébastien to the contralto. The two saxophonists were in the organic of the Strada Sextet ((V) ivre, Label Bleu 2005), they animated the most recent Hope Quartet (with the drummer Louis Moutin) and we find them together here, next to the guitarist Nguyen Le and the pianist Armel Dupas.

Following the propensity for the traditional cultures of half the world, the double bass player now turns his attention to the natives of North America, without attempting to venture with the musical forms of those populations. In a modern mainstream inventive, characterized rhythmically, rich climate changes and whirling solos, we find only a few references to rhythmic forms similar to the dances of those populations. "As far as I can remember," says Texier, "I've always been interested in the American Indians." As a child I masqueraded like them, finding them more vivid, seductive and inventive. (...) Later, at the same time as I discovered jazz, I studied the knowledge of those cultures, remaining fascinated by the absolute respect they had for nature. "

The compositions of this album (from the indicative titles) should therefore be seen as a tribute with a strong emotional value, which was shared in music with its partners.

The result is a tumultuous and compelling jazz, which is similar to the Amerindian people in the colorful colors. One of the characteristic features is the drumming of Louis Moutin, a constant source of impulses and suggestions, which stands out for the pressing background and the rhythmic alterations.

Sebastien Texier has long been a notable alto sax and the contrast between its bright and dark timbre of Corneloup to the baritone is one of the strengths of this music. Particularly convincing is also the role of Nguyen Le who adds chromatic variety in passing from bop guitar styles to burning moments, post-Hendrixians.

Texier father guides with magistero the unfolding of his beautiful compositions, intervening with some pregnant solos.