Knowledge is freedom and ignorance is slavery
Miles DavisRead
Monk taught me more about music composition than anyone else on 52nd Street.
Interpretation
Miles Davis credits Monk with significantly influencing his understanding of music composition.
In this quote, Miles Davis reflects on the profound impact that Thelonious Monk had on his musical development, specifically emphasizing Monk's unique approach to composition that stood out among the many talented musicians on 52nd Street. Davis acknowledges that Monk's teachings and style shaped his own artistic expression and understanding of jazz, highlighting the importance of mentorship and learning from peers in the creative process.
In practice
During a music workshop, this quote could be used to inspire young composers about the importance of learning from predecessors.
Knowledge is freedom and ignorance is slavery
Joao Gilberto on guitar could read a newspaper and sound good.
I was minding my own business when something says to me, "you ought to blow trumpet." I have just been trying ever since.
When the band plays fast, you play slow; when the band plays slow, you play fast.
Don't play what's there, play what's not there.
My ego only needs a good rhythm section
Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise.
I have to say, I grew up with fashion because my mother was a seamstress, and she had an atelier. She would cut the first pattern, and then she had people working for her. So I grew up in an atelier, watching people all around me sewing. I was fascinated.
I'm a songwriter, and people will tell you the greatest stories about their lives, whether you want to hear it or not.
There is but one art, to omit.
Art is a private thing, the artist makes it for himself; a comprehensible work is the product of a journalist. We need works that are strong, straight, precise, and forever beyond understanding.
And I think as long as a song has beautiful lyrics, I'm so happy.
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