In a world marked by uncertainty and unrest in 2025, French bassist Henri Texier has released an album that seeks to provide solace through music. Titled ‘Healing Songs,’ this collection revisits some of Texier’s favorite compositions from his extensive career, aiming to offer comfort and calm to listeners facing anxious moments.
Henri Texier, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday, is a veteran figure in European jazz with over six decades of experience. Despite his long-standing influence, he remains somewhat underappreciated outside continental Europe. ‘Healing Songs’ brings together nine carefully selected tracks from his past works, performed with vibrant energy by a talented quintet. This group includes Texier’s son Sebastien on soprano saxophone and clarinets, trumpeter Hermon Mehari, keyboardist Emmanuel Borghi, and drummer Gautier Garrigue. Renowned drummer Manu Katché also joins the ensemble on three tracks.
The album opens with ‘Amazone Blues,’ featuring an urgent riff and a powerful bass solo that sets an engaging tone. Throughout the record, the performances maintain a spirited and mostly upbeat mood. ‘Grève révolte’ stands out as Sebastien Texier switches to clarinet to reinterpret a piece from 2001’s ‘Remparts D’Argile.’ This track carries political undertones, referencing a 1970 film about Algerian salt miners’ strike and a woman challenging traditional village life.
Other highlights include ‘Chebika Courage,’ which offers a lively theme well-suited for trumpet solos, and ‘Decent Revolt,’ which slows down into a more solemn and moody tempo. The muted trumpet and bass rhythm in ‘Leila’ evoke the sound of the jazz group Old and New Dreams. The album concludes with a mix of blues influences and samba rhythms, creating a varied and captivating listening experience.
While not all pieces may explicitly be ‘healing songs,’ each track has memorable melodies and hooks that draw the listener in. The album’s foundation is Texier’s energetic bass playing, which brings life and bounce to every composition. Recorded in June 2025 at Studio Gil Evans in Amiens, the album invites both new listeners and longtime fans to explore Henri Texier’s rich discography.
In times when music often turns to political statements or protest, ‘Healing Songs’ reminds audiences of the power of instrumental jazz to soothe and uplift. It highlights how artists like Texier continue to find ways to respond creatively to the world’s challenges through their craft.
