Starting in the middle of a musical sentence and moving in both directions at once.
John ColtraneRead
From a technical viewpoint, I have certain things I'd like to present in my solos. To do this, I have to get the right material. It has to swing, and it has to be varied.
Interpretation
What this quote means
John Coltrane emphasizes the importance of variety and rhythm in creating music that resonates.
This quote reflects John Coltrane's commitment to crafting his musical solos with attention to both structure and creativity. He highlights the necessity of having the right materials, or musical elements, that possess rhythm ('swing') and diversity to effectively communicate his artistic vision. It speaks to the broader concept that effective artistic expression requires careful selection and a balance of influences.
Themes
MusicSolosVarietyCreativityArtistic Expression
In practice
Example use cases
During a music class, this quote could inspire students to explore varied musical styles in their compositions.
More from John Coltrane
All quotes →When you begin to see the possibilities of music, you desire to do something really good for people.
John ColtraneRead
I'd like to point out to people the divine in a musical language that transcends words. I want to speak to their souls.
John ColtraneRead
I start from one point and go as far as possible. But, unfortunately, I never lose my way. I 'localize,' which is to say that I think always in a given space. I rarely think of the whole of a solo, and only very briefly. I always return to the small part of the solo that I was in the process of playing.
John ColtraneRead
In the year of 1957, I experienced, by the grace of God, a spiritual awakening, which was to lead me to a richer, fuller, more productive life.
John ColtraneRead
Sometimes I wish I could walk up to my music for the first time, as if I had never heard it before.
John ColtraneRead
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