VANITY VANITY ALL IS VANITY (vinyl)

Description

Hold on tight! Lyon-based producer Schvédranne is about to unveil his concept album created with the legendary San Francisco poet, Jack Hirschman. The album's title is taken from the Old Testament, but it primarily refers to one of Jack Hirschman's poems. 'Vanity Vanity All Is Vanity' sets the philosophical tone of this work. All is vanity; we all follow the same path, that towards death. Yet, this idea is neither nihilistic nor pessimistic. The concept advocated is rather one of acceptance. The realization that everything is futile and our actions have no impact on the final outcome allows for greater peace of mind and brings a touch of lightness to our lives. The world moves on, and there's no need to be vain; we keep going no matter what. This premise is the idea conveyed by this concept album, which proves to be a true sound collection, like a film, with a rhythm and a scenario, alternating militant, intimate, and metaphysical scenes. By immersing oneself in these 13 tracks, everyone can experience universal emotions deep within their being and illuminate their own path as they see fit. The two artists jointly selected a series of poems from Jack Hirschman's texts, anthologies, and collections. This album is a story of encounters, visions, and shared struggles transposed into music. Electronic music, blues, and trip-hop illustrate the words and poems of the beat generation pillar. Jack Hirschman's words, from the very first recited stanza, sound like a dark premonition for the poet who loved them: "Suddenly I don't want to remember the dead anymore" because he would breathe his last on August 22, 2021. However, his words and voice will continue to resonate through this album, which pays tribute to him while perpetuating his ideals. After a long process of approach, recording the poet, and learning this tragic news, Schvédranne extends his friend's dissenting and poetic message. In a subtly adapted way, his music adds new substance to the words of the indefatigable dreamer and revolutionary actor. From intimate poetry to metaphysical jousts, through the militant pen that denounces the flaws of capitalist societies, Jack's work is structured around four parts in this album. His voice and the interpreters of his works will be carried by a myriad of musical influences finely sculpted by Schvédranne, equally at ease with electronic machines (Arme de destruction massive), guitar (Sur un vers de Whitman and L'arcane de Susie), and Latin sounds (Venezia). This album is like a mirror of the beat writer's journey and many travels. The album's 13 tracks are a deep dive into Jack Hirschman's life. They reveal the story of his struggles, the beat generation, and the power of his verses. Words left as a legacy by a free man. 'Vanity Vanity All Is Vanity' will not leave you untouched.