First of all, I swore it was two people playing. When I finally admitted to myself that was one man, I gave up the piano for a month. I figured it was hopeless to practice.
Oscar PetersonRead
Too many jazz pianists limit themselves to a personal style, a trademark, so to speak. They confine themselves to one type of playing.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Artists should explore diverse styles rather than limiting themselves to a single approach.
Oscar Peterson highlights the importance of versatility in jazz piano playing. He points out that many pianists restrict themselves to a single personal style for the sake of a recognizable trademark, which ultimately hinders their growth and creativity. Embracing a broader array of techniques and influences can lead to greater artistry and innovation in music.
Themes
JazzPianoCreativityStyleMusic
In practice
Example use cases
In a workshop on musical creativity, a teacher might quote this to encourage students to try new styles.
More from Oscar Peterson
All quotes βI don't believe that a lot of the things I hear on the air today are going to be played for as long a time as Coleman Hawkins records or Brahms concertos.
Oscar PetersonRead
It's the group sound that's important, even when you're playing a solo. You not only have to know your own instrument, you must know the others and how to back them up at all times. That's jazz.
Oscar PetersonRead
Montreal was a very active jazz center until club owners started putting in strippers instead of music. Before long, there was nothing to hear.
Oscar PetersonRead
Too many jazz pianists limit themselves to a personal style, a trademark, so to speak. They confine themselves to one type of playing. I believe in using the entire piano as a single instrument capable of expressing every possible musical idea. I have no one style. I play as I feel.
Oscar PetersonRead
You not only have to know your own instrument, you must know the others and how to back them up at all times. That's jazz.
Oscar PetersonRead
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