Jazz Music Quotes to Get You Inspired

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

Looking for some inspiration for your jazz music? Check out these quotes from some of the genre’s most famous musicians!

Introduction

Jazz is a music genre that originated in the African-American communities of the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was developed from roots in blues and ragtime. Jazz is characterized by swing and blue notes, call and response vocals, polyrhythms and improvisation. Jazz has roots in West African cultural and musical expression, and in African-American music traditions including blues and ragtime. Its immediate origins lay in the syncopated music of the late 19th century, including both popular dance music and concert or theatre music.

“Jazz is the only music in which the same note can be played night after night but differently each time.” -Ornette Coleman

Coleman was one of the most revolutionary figures in jazz history, and his quote perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the music. Jazz is all about improvisation and self-expression, and each performance is a unique opportunity to explore the endless possibilities of the musical idiom.

“Jazz is not dead, it just smells funny.” -Frank Zappa

Jazz is a music genre that originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans, United States. It originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and developed from roots in blues and ragtime. Jazz is seen by many as “America’s classical music”. Since the 1920s Jazz Age, jazz has become recognized as a major form of musical expression. It then emerged in the form of independent traditional and popular musical styles, all linked by the common bonds of African-American and European-American musical parentage with a performance orientation. Jazz is characterized by swing and blue notes, call and response vocals, polyrhythms and improvisation. Jazz has roots in West African cultural and musical expression, and in African-American music traditions including blues and ragtime, as well as European military band music. Instruments typically include saxophones, trumpets, trombones, pianos, double basses. In the 1930s, heavily arranged dance-oriented swing big bands led by bandleaders such as Benny Goodman became popular, featuring soloists such as Louis Armstrong (tp)and clarinetist Benny Goodman whose band became known as Sing Sing Sing for their extended improvisations during performances at Carnegie Hall; this style later led to popular rhythm and blues.

In the 1950s bebop emergedm a more abstract form of jazz influenced by Charlie Parker which abandoned blues influences for polyphony and harmony inspired more by European classical music than folk traditions; this style laid the groundwork for free jazz later on.

“Jazz is the sound of surprise.” -Duke Ellington

Duke Ellington was one of the most influential figures in jazz music, and his quote perfectly defines what jazz is all about. To Ellington, jazz was all about spontaneity and unpredictability, two elements that are essential to the genre.

If you’re looking for some inspiration to help get your creative juices flowing, look no further than these quotes about jazz music. From Thelonious Monk to Miles Davis, these legendary musicians have a lot to say about what makes jazz so special.

“Jazz is the sound of surprise.” -Duke Ellington
“Improvisation is the very soul of jazz.” -Thelonious Monk
“Jazz is not what you expect it to be.” -Miles Davis
“In jazz, improvisation is not a deviation from the basic harmony or melody; it is, in fact, its goal.” -Bill Evans
“Jazz is freedom.” -Ornette Coleman

“Jazz is the only music in which the same note can be played night after night but differently each time.” -Ornette Coleman

Jazz is a truly unique and special type of music. It has the ability to both relax and energize us, to make us feel happy and sad all at the same time. It’s a complex art form that can be difficult to define, but we all know it when we hear it.

If you’re looking for a little bit of inspiration, these quotes about jazz music should do the trick. Jazz musicians are some of the most creative people on the planet, and they have a lot to say about their art form. So sit back, relax, and enjoy these quotes about one of the most important musical genres of all time.

“Jazz is the only music in which the same note can be played night after night but differently each time.” -Ornette Coleman

“Jazz is not what you do, it’s how you do it.” -Ray Charles

“In jazz, there’s always room for improvement.” -Wynton Marsalis

“Jazz is spontaneous combustion.” -Les Paul

“Jazz is like making love: it shouldn’t be done by rote.” -Pat Metheny

“Jazz washes away the dust of every day life.” -Art Blakey

“Jazz is not dead, it just smells funny.” -Frank Zappa

Frank Zappa was a renowned American musician, composer, and producer who was highly influential in the development of jazz rock. He is quoted as saying “Jazz is not dead, it just smells funny.” This quote is often used to describe the state of jazz music today. There is a lot of debate about whether or not jazz is still relevant, but there are many people who believe that it is still an important part of our musical culture.

There are a number of other famous quotes about jazz music that can be used to inspire both musicians and fans alike. Here are some of our favorites:

“Jazz is the only music in which the same note can be played night after night but with a different meaning.” – Miles Davis

“Jazz is not dead… it just smells funny.” – Frank Zappa

“Jazz washes away the dust of every day life.” – Art Blakey

“Jazz is like wine. When it is new, it tastes fruity; when it matures, it becomes mellow; and when it grows old, it gets horny.” – Duke Ellington

“Jazz is the sound of surprise.” -Duke Ellington

Duke Ellington was one of the most prolific and influential composers and performers of the 20th century. Known for his big band performances and compositions, Ellington’s unique sound helped shape the course of jazz music. In this quote, he speaks to the element of surprise that is often present in jazz performances, which can keep both the musicians and the audience on their toes.

“Jazz is the only music in which the same note can be played night after night but differently each time.” -Ornette Coleman

Jazz is one of the most popular genres of music, and has been for decades. It’s a truly unique style of music that is often improvisational and always soulful. If you’re a fan of jazz, then you know how inspiring and uplifting the genre can be.

To help you get even more inspired by jazz, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best quotes about jazz from some of the genre’s most legendary musicians. Check out these quotes and let them help you appreciate jazz even more!

“Jazz is the only music in which the same note can be played night after night but differently each time.” -Ornette Coleman

“Jazz is not dead… it just smells funny.” -Frank Zappa

“You can’t play anything on a horn that hasn’t been played before.” -Miles Davis

“Jazz is America’s greatest gift to the world.” -Dizzy Gillespie

“Jazz washes away the dust of everyday life.” -Art Blakey

“Jazz is not dead, it just smells funny.” -Frank Zappa

“Jazz is not dead, it just smells funny.” -Frank Zappa

“Jazz is the feel, swing, and emotion of the music that makes you wanna tap your feet, nod your head, and clap your hands.” -Tony Bennett

“Jazz is life. Without it, we are dead.” – Albert Ayler

“There is no other music that comes close to the energy and passion of jazz.” – Dave Brubeck

“For me, jazz is about improvisation and communication. It’s about forming a relationship with the people you’re playing with on the bandstand. It’s about give and take.” – Chick Corea

“Jazz is the sound of surprise.” -Duke Ellington

Duke Ellington was one of the most important figures in jazz history. As a composer, bandleader, and pianist, he helped to define the genre and elevate it to new heights. His quote speaks to the very essence of jazz: its ability to surprise, delight, and challenge its listeners.

Jazz music is built on improvisation, which means that each performance is unique. This element of surprise is what makes jazz so special and beloved by so many fans around the world. If you’re feeling stuck in a rut or just need a little bit of inspiration, check out these other amazing quotes about jazz music.

“Jazz is the only music in which the same note can be played night after night but differently each time.” -Ornette Coleman

“Jazz is not dead, it just smells funny.” -Frank Zappa

“Jazz is rhythm and rhythm is Jazz.” – Thelonious Monk

“Improvisation is the highest form of research.” -Thelonious Monk

Conclusion

Jazz music is truly one of America’s greatest treasures. It’s a genre that has produced some of the most legendary musicians in history and has influenced countless other genres of music. If you’re a fan of jazz, or just music in general, these quotes are sure to inspire you.

“Jazz is the only music in which the same note can be played night after night but sounding different each time.” -Ornette Coleman

“Jazz is not dead, it just smells funny.” -Frank Zappa

“Jazz is the expression of America’s most original mind.” -Theodore White

“There is no other music that can touch your soul like jazz.” -Herbie Hancock

“jazz is the space between the notes” -Miles Davis

“A jazz musician is someone who plays with his heart, soul and mind.” -Wes Montgomery

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