Music isn't about music, it's about life.
Herbie HancockRead
It's not exclusive, but inclusive, which is the whole spirit of jazz.
Interpretation
Jazz embodies a spirit of inclusivity, welcoming diverse influences and styles.
Herbie Hancock's quote highlights the fundamental nature of jazz music as a genre that thrives on inclusivity rather than exclusivity. It suggests that jazz embraces various influences and contributions from different musicians and cultures, reflecting a collaborative spirit that enriches the art form. This idea resonates beyond music, emphasizing the value of diversity and openness in all areas of life.
In practice
In a speech at a music festival to encourage creativity and collaboration among artists.
Music isn't about music, it's about life.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The blues. It runs through all American music. Somebody bending the note. The other is the two-beat groove. It's in New Orleans music, it's in jazz, it's in country music, it's in gospel.
This is what I want everyone to experience at the end of my concert... _x000D_ everyone has this sense of rejoicing. _x000D_ I don't want them to be blown away by what I do, _x000D_ I want them to have this sense of real, real joy _x000D_ from the depths of their being. _x000D_ Because I think when you take them to that place, _x000D_ then you open up a place where grace can come in.
People in bands don't have the kind of conversations people might think they have. The best things about being in a band are the things that are unsaid.
I spent one year being very poor at home with my piano, and nobody was calling me, but I had space to think about things on my own and find out exactly what I wanted to do.
The way I see it, rock n' roll is folk music.
The sudden passing of Jack Bruce is terribly sad news. One of the greatest rock bassists to ever live and a true and profound inspiration to countless musicians. He was one of my first bass heroes and was a major influence on my playing and my music. My heartfelt condolences to his family and fans.
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