{"product_id":"palm-unit_dont-buy-ivory-anymore-vinyl_2021_lad","title":"DON'T BUY IVORY ANYMORE (vinyl)","description":"'In France, we all have a bit of Henri Texier in us,' says producer Antoine Rajon with a big smile, the man behind Palm Unit's second album. It's true that the double bassist is one of the rare musicians around whom there is universal agreement. From his first absolute solo albums to his Sand Quintet, including his famous 'Suite Africaine' trio with Louis Sclavis and Aldo Romano, the Parisian has composed some of the most poignant melodies in European jazz. For a young label like Komos, which aims to champion 'soulful,' committed, and open-minded music, Henri Texier is the perfect striking spirit to take shelter under. And then, as a symbol, the double bassist with the eternal beanie screwed onto his head played in his time with Jef Gilson (1926-2012), the one-man band that Palm Unit celebrated on their stunning first album, 'Chant Inca' (2017). Because Lionel Martin, the saxophonist of this trio turned quartet, fully embraces it: the idea for this tribute did not come from him. 'I attract commissions! Perhaps because one of the only qualities I recognize in myself is my ability to synthesize. As with our previous album, this was Antoine's suggestion. In fact, without him, Palm Unit wouldn't exist.' It's as if Lionel Martin and his cohorts completely accept this very jazz-like conception of creation: finding freedom, pleasure, and invention in the compositions of others. 'I've always been a bit of a naughty student: I love taking magnificent themes and breaking them all apart,' he jokes. Yet, Henri Texier remains 'very important' in his life and career. 'Initially, I was mainly into Sidney Bechet and Albert Ayler. But when I discovered the whole 'Sclavis-Texier' school, it was a revelation. I remember being greatly struck by Colonel Skopje (1989) and especially Paris-Batignolles (1986).' However, it's from other albums by the double bassist-leader that Palm Unit drew its melodies for Don't Buy Ivory Anymore: Amir and Varech, of course, the foundational diptych of the late 70s, but also pieces from La Companera (1983) to Mad Nomad(s) (2002) via An Indian's Week (1993) or Mosaïc Man (1998). With keyboardist Fred Escoffier, his (almost) lifelong friend with whom they revolutionized Ethio-jazz in Ukandanz, they transcribed dozens and dozens of pieces. With drummer Philippe Pipon Garcia, they listened to perhaps even more. And then in the studio, all together, everything happened very quickly: everything came together in a flash, as is often the case with Palm Unit. To describe the unique interplay of this spark-generating group, Lionel Martin has a beautiful expression: 'between us, it's humanity flowing. On Texier's pieces, we were able to deepen modes of playing that we had only just begun to touch upon with Gilson's.' Tributes can sometimes be mere copying, beautiful infidelities, or self-serving respect. With Palm Unit, it becomes disguised autobiography. When the trio, which became a quartet on this album with the presence of Cuban percussionist Abraham Mansfaroll (Tito Puentes, Alfredo Rodriguez, David Murray, Fred Pallem...), covers Henri Texier, they highlight his rebellion, his ethics, his sincere love for Africa and world folklores. And suddenly, the subtitle of this project makes perfect sense: Don't Buy Ivory Anymore! It's also an ecological manifesto. And what better eco-responsible act than the inventive recycling of existing standards? --- Mathieu Durand ---","brand":"Palm Unit","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55310227210584,"sku":null,"price":20210917.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0898\/4943\/0360\/files\/3770014204011_3f2c0d4c-1c70-4038-8303-0c9490909db7.jpg?v=1760318894","url":"https:\/\/vinyles.com\/en\/products\/palm-unit_dont-buy-ivory-anymore-vinyl_2021_lad","provider":"Vinyles.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}