Music isn't about music, it's about life.
One of the greatest experiences I ever had was listening to a conversation with Joni Mitchell and Wayne Shorter. Just to hear them talking, my mouth was open. They understand each other perfectly, and they make these leaps and jumps because they don't have to explain anything.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the beauty of deep understanding between artists and the magic that arises when they communicate effortlessly.
In this reflection, Herbie Hancock emphasizes the profound connection and mutual understanding between Joni Mitchell and Wayne Shorter during their conversation. He illustrates how their ability to communicate without needing explanations showcases the deep bond and synergy that exists among creative individuals, allowing them to leap through ideas and concepts freely. This moment serves as a reminder of the extraordinary experiences that can arise from genuine artistic exchange.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a speech at an art gallery to emphasize the importance of understanding in artistic collaborations.
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.
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.
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The true work of art is born from the 'artist': a mysterious, enigmatic, and mystical creation. It detaches itself from him, it acquires an autonomous life, becomes a personality, an independent subject, animated with a spiritual breath, the living subject of a real existence of being.