All I wanted was to be big, to be in show business and to travel ... and that's what I've been doing all my life.
Count BasieRead
I, of course, wanted to play real jazz. When we played pop tunes, and naturally we had to, I wanted those pops to kick! Not loud and fast, understand, but smoothly and with a definite punch.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Count Basie emphasizes the importance of infusing energy and authenticity into music, even when playing popular tunes.
In this quote, Count Basie reflects on his desire to play authentic jazz music, demonstrating a commitment to quality and artistry. He expresses that while he acknowledges the necessity of performing popular songs, he insists on ensuring that these performances maintain the integrity and smoothness characteristic of real jazz, highlighting a passion for musical excellence.
Themes
JazzMusicAuthenticityPopEnergy
In practice
Example use cases
A musician might use this quote to inspire his band to maintain the essence of jazz while performing popular songs.
More from Count Basie
All quotes →If you find a note tonight that sounds good, play the same damn note every night!
Count BasieRead
I'll always remember when I first heard Lester [Young]. I'd never heard anyone like him before. He was a stylist with a different sound. A sound I'd never heard before or since. To be honest with you, I didn't much like it at first.
Count BasieRead
I'm saying: to be continued, until we meet again. Meanwhile, keep on listening and tapping your feet.
Count BasieRead
I never thought innovation as such was very important. Not when you have to think about it... If you're going to come up with a new direction or a really new way to do something, you'll do it by just playing your stuff and letting it ride. The real innovators did their innovating by just being themselves.
Count BasieRead
Of course, there are a lot of ways you can treat the blues, but it will still be the blues.
Count BasieRead
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If you feel that you're not getting enough out of a song, change the instrument - go from an acoustic to an electric or vice versa, or try an open tuning. Do something to shake it up.
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Rock and roll ain't nothing but jazz with a hard backbeat.
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