Music isn't about music, it's about life.
Herbie HancockRead
It's not the style that motivates me, as much as an attitude of openness that I have when I go into a project.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of a positive and open-minded attitude in pursuing projects, rather than merely focusing on style.
Herbie Hancock expresses that for him, the driving force in his projects is not just about having a certain style, but rather an overall attitude of openness. This signifies that a willingness to embrace new ideas and approaches can be more impactful than adhering strictly to pre-defined styles or methods. An open attitude can lead to greater creativity and innovation in any endeavor.
In practice
Using this quote in a team meeting to encourage open-mindedness while brainstorming ideas.
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.
Today, not starting is far, far worse than being wrong. If you start, you've got a shot at evolving and adjusting to turn your wrong into a right. But if you don't start, you never get a chance.
As long as I can compete, I won't quit. Reaching three-thousand is not the finish line as long as I can contribute.
Be Sure you Are Stepping to the Music you Hear - No Matter what Other People Think.
I could always hit. I learned to hit with a broomstick and a ball of tape and I could always get that bat on the ball.
We are now faced with the fact, my friends, that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now.
Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small. A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.
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