Music isn't about music, it's about life.
Herbie HancockRead
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Herbie Hancock emphasizes the importance of flexibility and the influence of diverse musical experiences beyond a singular genre.
In this quote, Herbie Hancock reflects on his musical journey, acknowledging his roots in jazz while simultaneously expressing a desire for artistic freedom beyond the confines of a single genre. He highlights the foundational role that jazz played in his development, indicating that while it shaped him, he values the ability to explore and innovate in various musical styles without being pigeonholed.
Themes
JazzMusicFreedomArtistic ExpressionCreativity
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about the importance of artistic diversity and growth.
More from Herbie Hancock
All quotes →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.
Herbie HancockRead
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
It's easy to get sidetracked with technology, and that is the danger, but ultimately you have to see what works with the music and what doesn't. In a lot of cases, less is more. In most cases, less is more.
Herbie HancockRead
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