American - Musician | August 12, 1954 -
The guitar for me is a translation device. It's not a goal. And in some ways, jazz isn't a destination for me. For me, jazz is a vehicle that takes you to the true destination - a musical one that describes all kinds of stuff about the human condition and the way music works.
Pat Metheny
MusicMeDestinationGuitarGoal
When talking about writing, I often use the analogy of archaeology. There are these great tunes all around. Your skill as a musician allows you to pick them out without breaking them.
GreatWritingTalkingYouSkillOut
No two notes are ever the same volume. With the guitar, you really have to model in your mind this wider thing; you're trying to create the illusion of a bigger dynamic range.
MindGuitarTryingYouCreateSame
I would always contend that talent is an element, but over the long run, ultimately, a minor part of it all; it is mostly hard work.
WorkHard WorkTalentLongRunHard
There are some musicians who are talented and see themselves as some kind of natural geniuses or something because of a certain amount of natural ability. But that is often rarely the case over the long term.
MusiciansLongKindAbilitySee
I can't really say enough about Chris Potter. He is one of the greatest musicians I have ever known, and every second I have been on the band stand with him has been an absolute pleasure.
StandMusiciansEnoughSayBandHim
A lot of jazz artists think people should like what they're doing just because it's jazz. I don't buy that.
PeopleThinkDoingJust BecauseJazz
I didn't want there to be a computer on stage. When I see people with computers on stage, I think, 'Are you sending e-mail?' That's so corny.
PeopleComputersThinkYouWantSee
I used to love going and playing jam sessions, doing things spontaneously. I can't do that anymore. Everything you do is documented, nothing is casual anymore.
LoveDoingYouNothingEverything
I'm triggering acoustic instruments. I'm literally beating, smacking, hitting, blowing, doing physical things. It's an incredibly exciting way to make music.
MusicDoingWayThingsExciting
Someone who knew me when I was 14 said I was the oldest 14-year-old on the planet. Now I'm a 14-year-old who is 60.
MeSomeoneSaidNowPlanetKnew
If we are going to list guitar influences, the biggest one by far is Wes Montgomery. Also, Gary Burton was obviously huge for me in a number of ways. But beyond that, Clifford Brown, Miles Davis and Freddie Hubbard.
MeGuitarBeyondMilesGoingFar
Copyright © 2024 QuotesDict Pat Metheny quotes