Official re-issue of insanely good second outing from French bass player. Like his double bass, Henri Texier is a pillar, a landmark in jazz and music in general. Perhaps best known for his work in the 1960s with Don Cherry, Texier has worked with Donald Byrd, Bud Powell, Dexter Gordon and Jef Gilson, among a host of other top jazz musicicans. For those in the know, the track "Les "Là-bas"" was remixed by Bonobo. That's not to say this album is a one-hit wonder. On the contrary, you'd be hard-pressed finding a weak track on the album. From the hypnotic chanting and polyrhythms in "L'Elephant" to the more esoteric "Terre-basse", Varech is through-and-through a true classic. By blending experimental free-jazz with African polyrhythms and Middle Eastern instrumentation, Texier was at the forefront of "World Music" before the term was coined. Originally released in 1977, Varech currently fetches high prices on the second-hand market, so this high-quality fully-licensed reissue is the best you'll hear it! Nine tracks in all released by JMS. Recommended.

• 9 tracks in all
• music label: JMS 2018

reviewed by RBG 1/2019