One of France's greatest living musical artists, let alone jazz musicians, Henri Texier has consistently aimed high and pushed boundaries in his illustrious, prolific recording and performing career.

Now a young 75, by the sound of this recording; and surrounded by perhaps his strongest line-up, he makes it sound easy. Never falling comfortably into any jazz-world category is a fitting tribute to Texier's inimitable signature that engages with African/European folksong and rock music without undermining the band's coolly joyous harmonies and ensemble counterpoint. Texier's son Sebastian on alto and clarinet adds the aroma of N'Orleans to the band's West Coast cool and free jazz-inspired collective sensibilities. The guitarist Manu Codjia is an unsung hero, always thoughtfully balanced between tender Frisell-like atmospherics and a more jaggedly electric jazz-rock sonicworld. Always a pleasure, this is another high-quality set from the soulful French bass maestro.