Music isn't about music, it's about life.
Herbie HancockRead
It pulled me like a magnet, jazz did, because it was a way that I could express myself.
Interpretation
The quote expresses how jazz music deeply resonated with Hancock, allowing him to find a unique form of self-expression.
In this quote, Herbie Hancock shares his profound connection to jazz music, describing it as an irresistible force that draws him in. Jazz, with its spontaneous and improvisational nature, provides Hancock a canvas for personal expression, enabling him to communicate emotions and thoughts that go beyond words. This reflects the broader theme of how art can serve as a powerful outlet for individuality and creativity.
In practice
During a speech at a music festival, one could use this quote to highlight the power of music in personal growth.
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.
Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Merle Haggard, Hank Williams. All of them are different styles, but those are the songs that make the times. They're the songs that last through time.
Pearl Jam is a band I have a lot of respect for. Nirvana and Sonic Youth I feel the same way about. Mumford & Sons, My Morning Jacket, Wilco, Givers, and Foo Fighters are just some of my favorites. I respect bands that give me something of themselves that I can feel. ("Posing" bands turn me off generally speaking.) It all has to do with a feeling I have about them. That is what music is to me, a feeling. It's similar with people too.
I always say that the problem with jazz accessibility is not the content of the music, it's people's ability to access it.
I've had a lot of different experiences in music over the years.And not everything you do can satisfy everybody's idealised version of you.
In this day and time you can't even get sick; you are strung-out! Well by God, I'll tell you something, friend: I have never been strung-out in my life, except on music!
Sometimes I wish I had taken the Bob Dylan route and sang songs where my voice would not go out on me every night, so I could have a career if I wanted.
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