“I think music needs to be of its time & speak to that time. I think that what is important is that the music be honest & direct & that it is relevant to today.” – Dave Holland, an English … Continue reading
Category Archives: Jazz Weekly
“Most jazz players work out their solos to the extent that they have a very specific vocabulary.” Lee Konitz – American alto saxophonist who improvises long, melodic lines with odd accents & note groupings. Konitz was part of the cool … Continue reading
“Monk encouraged me to emancipate the drums from their subservient role as timekeepers” — Max Roach an American jazz percussionist, drummer, and composer. A pioneer of bebop, and considered one of the most important drummers in jazz history. *Jazz in … Continue reading
“Jazz is an art form that depends on its antecedents. There must be respect for the people that have gone before.” – Jon Hendricks, an American jazz lyricist and singer. Hendricks is one of the originators of vocalese, which adds … Continue reading
“The beauty of jazz is that it’s malleable. People are addressing it to suit their own personalities.” Pat Metheny, an American jazz guitarist, composer & leader of the Pat Metheny Group. Matheny’s style incorporates elements of progressive and contemporary jazz, … Continue reading
“I hate straight singing. I have to change a tune to my own way of doing it. That’s all I know.” Billie Holiday “Lady Day,” American jazz singer and songwriter had a seminal influence on jazz and pop singing. Her … Continue reading
“I like minor tunes. Mary Lou Williams used to tell me: if you’re not feeling right, play a minor tune & it falls into place.” – Marian McPartland, jazz pianist and composer, known for her elegant swing and powerful grace. … Continue reading
“It’s the group sound that’s important, even when you’re playing a solo. You not only have to know your own instrument, you must know the others and how to back them up at all times. That’s Jazz.” – Oscar Peterson, … Continue reading
“It’s important to help people understand how valuable and important Jazz is; to make them understand that this music is theirs, that it’s a part of them . . .” Kenny Burrell – American jazz guitarist whose style is grounded … Continue reading
“Jazz is a beautiful word. I love it.” – Dexter Gordon, an American jazz tenor saxophonist. He was among the earliest tenor players to adapt the bebop musical language of people such as Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Bud Powell … Continue reading