John Coltrane

The first time I heard Bird play, it hit me right between the eyes.

All a musician can do is to get closer to the source.

My music is the spiritual expression of what I am: my faith, my knowledge, my being.

When you begin to see the possibilities of music, you desire to do something really good for people.

Through Dizzy and Bird I began to learn about musical structures and the more theoretical aspects of music.

I’ve found you’ve got to look back at the old things and see them in a new light.

Once you start collecting records you learn more and more about Jazz and Blues.

You must own it to play it.

It isn’t where you came from, its where you’re going that counts.

Miles told me not to use vibrato because when you get old, you’re going to shake anyway.

The minute I stop singing orally, I start to sing by playing Lucille.

Jazz music is a language of the emotions.

Music, of course, is what I hear and something that I more or less live by. It’s not an occupation or profession, it’s a compulsion.

Never play anything the same way twice.

Sometimes when you start losing detail, whether it’s in music or in life, something as small as failing to be polite, you start to lose substance.

I have no one style.

Play for the spiritual aspect, the emotion.

I am attracted to Jazz music for the idea of being in the moment and communicating to people spontaneously.

I think that what is important is that the music be honest and direct and that it is relevant to today.

Jazz is one of the few things you can do in society to express yourself freely and creatively.

I don’t pop my cork for every man I see.