Music isn't about music, it's about life.
Herbie HancockRead
The cool thing is that jazz is really a wonderful example of the great characteristics of Buddhism and great characteristics of the human spirit. Because in jazz we share, we listen to each other, we respect each other, we are creating in the moment. At our best, we're non-judgmental.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Jazz exemplifies the harmony of human connection and Buddhist principles.
In this quote, Herbie Hancock highlights how jazz music embodies essential qualities of both Buddhism and the human spirit. He points to the collaborative nature of jazz, where musicians listen and respond to one another, fostering a non-judgmental environment that encourages creativity and present-moment awareness, much like the teachings of Buddhism.
Themes
JazzBuddhismCreativityCollaborationMusic
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about the intersection of art and spirituality.
More from Herbie Hancock
All quotes →I don't mind being classified as a jazz artist, but I do mind being restricted to being a jazz artist. My foundation has been in jazz, though I didn't really start out that way. I started in classical music, but my formative years were in jazz, and it makes a great foundation.
Herbie HancockRead
In World War II, jazz absolutely was the music of freedom, and then in the Cold War, behind the Iron Curtain, same thing. It was all underground, but they needed the food of freedom that jazz offered.
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I think people have learned that Herbie Hancock can be defined as someone that you won't be able to figure out what he's going to do next. The sky is the limit as far as I'm concerned.
Herbie HancockRead
One thing that sticks in my mind is that jazz means freedom and openness. It's a music that, although it developed out of the African American experience, speaks more about the human experience than the experience of a particular people.
Herbie HancockRead
I started off with classical music, and I got into jazz when I was about 14 years old. And I've been playing jazz ever since.
Herbie HancockRead
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