Remparts d' argile

Henri Texier , label bleu, 2oo1

Remparts d' argile dir. by Jean Louis Bertucelli

France/Algeria, 1970

synopsis:

Ramparts of Clay stars Leila Schenna as a Tunisian woman torn between traditionalism and modernism. The citizens in her village have long considered themselves beholden to the absentee owners of the salt mines which serve as the community's chief source of income. When the owners refuse to raise salaries, the mine workers defy tradition by going on strike. While the woman is sympathetic with the workers' plight, she is also hesitant about standing up to her so-called benefactors. Filmed in semi-documentary fashion in the Algerian village of Tehouda, Ramparts of Clay was adapted from a book by Jean Duvignaud.

"It's a sound you feel safe with, like you could lie down on it and go to sleep" and there is a pillowing security and strength in texier's sound which amply confirms his fellow-player's assessment.

Influenced by the great Wilbur Ware, Henri Texier has a strong full sound that nearly always sounds better at lower tempos, when its sheer weigh and fullness become more evident.

Like Haden, though, he can also play nimbly and melodically.