Biography
Henri Texier stands out among French bassists for channeling the bulk of his efforts inside his home country. A native of Paris, he entered the profession at fifteen by playing piano in nightclubs, yet soon moved to bass so he could perform with Jef Gilson’s big band. That association introduced him to drummer Daniel Humair, and the pair quickly formed one of the most powerful rhythm sections active in France during the early 1960s. Their services were soon in demand as accompanists for visiting American musicians that included Bud Powell, Donald Byrd, Phil Woods, Dexter Gordon, and Chet Baker.
In 1968 pianist Martial Solal joined Texier and Humair, resulting in several landmark sessions recorded with saxophonist Lee Konitz while the latter was visiting. The same year Texier founded the European Rhythm Machine, a group that included Woods, Humair, Gordon Beck, and George Gruntz.
Throughout the 1970s Texier withdrew temporarily to study oud, flute, cello, and a range of percussion instruments while also cultivating his singing voice. When he resumed full-time performance he appeared in multiple ensembles, frequently alongside Louis Sclavis and drummer Aldo Romano. Beginning in 1986 he entered a sustained partnership with Label Bleu, the label that has issued most of his work since that date. In the early 1990s his son Sebastian Texier joined the family groups on reeds, often playing clarinet.
North African motifs have figured prominently in Texier’s music since the mid-1990s; in 2001 his trio began touring Europe with the nearly silent 1970 Algerian film Remparts d’Argile. Texier’s approach to the bass is markedly physical, although his tone is frequently characterized as “bell-like.” American listeners may hear him as tracing an irregular course between hard bop and free jazz, yet in France he has been recognized for creating a form of jazz that is distinctly French and independent of American precedents. In June 2001 the French government named him Chevalier of the l’Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur, the highest distinction it awards to artists.
In 1968 pianist Martial Solal joined Texier and Humair, resulting in several landmark sessions recorded with saxophonist Lee Konitz while the latter was visiting. The same year Texier founded the European Rhythm Machine, a group that included Woods, Humair, Gordon Beck, and George Gruntz.
Throughout the 1970s Texier withdrew temporarily to study oud, flute, cello, and a range of percussion instruments while also cultivating his singing voice. When he resumed full-time performance he appeared in multiple ensembles, frequently alongside Louis Sclavis and drummer Aldo Romano. Beginning in 1986 he entered a sustained partnership with Label Bleu, the label that has issued most of his work since that date. In the early 1990s his son Sebastian Texier joined the family groups on reeds, often playing clarinet.
North African motifs have figured prominently in Texier’s music since the mid-1990s; in 2001 his trio began touring Europe with the nearly silent 1970 Algerian film Remparts d’Argile. Texier’s approach to the bass is markedly physical, although his tone is frequently characterized as “bell-like.” American listeners may hear him as tracing an irregular course between hard bop and free jazz, yet in France he has been recognized for creating a form of jazz that is distinctly French and independent of American precedents. In June 2001 the French government named him Chevalier of the l’Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur, the highest distinction it awards to artists.
Albums
An Indian's Life
2023
Heteroklite Lockdown
2022
Chance
2020
Three Roads Home
2018
Sand Woman
2018
Concert anniversaire 30 ans de Label Bleu (feat. Manu Codjia, Edward Perraud, Michel Portal, Thomas de Pourquery & Bojan Z)
2017
Sky Dancers
2016
At "L'improviste"
2013
Canto Negro
2011
"Paris-Batignolles" (feat. Joe Lovano) [Live]
1986
La Compañera
1983
Singles
Live
