Paris Batignolles (2019)

"Bassist Henri Texier leads an all-star quintet bolstered by the presence of special guest Joe Lovano on tenor sax in this live 1986 recording. While Texier either wrote or co-wrote many of the selections, he amply features his musicians while not taking much of the solo spotlight for himself. The leader's energetic post-bop cooker "Zentral Motiv is a potent opener, highlighted by strong solos from Lovano and Louis Sclavis on soprano sax. The eerie "Baton Rouge" is a slow-to-develop group improvisation, with guitarist Philippe Deschepper prominent in the mix and explosive bursts by Sclavis on bass clarinet. The four-part suite "Grillage" blends several different contributions by the quintet's members. "Paris Batignolles" is a joyous celebration, with the blend of reeds almost suggesting an accordion. This fun-filled concert is warmly recommended." (Allmusic)