"I don't think in terms of keys. I think in terms of notes."
Art Tatum's quote signifies a deeply intuitive, note-centric approach to music making. Rather than organizing his musical ideas within the constraints of specific keys, he perceived and expressed melodies in their individual notes. This innovative mindset allowed him extraordinary freedom to improvise complex, intricate, and harmonically rich compositions that defied traditional musical structures.
"Jazz is never ending. I've been playing for over 40 years now, and it seems like the more I learn, the less I know."
This quote emphasizes that jazz, as an art form, embodies an endless journey of exploration and learning. Even after a career spanning over four decades, Art Tatum found himself continually discovering new aspects and depths in jazz music. The more he learned, the less he knew, indicating that there's always room for growth, experimentation, and reinvention in jazz music. This quote serves as a reminder that mastery in any field requires lifelong dedication and humility.
"I can play anything, but I miss the notes I don't play."
Art Tatum's quote emphasizes his unique ability to improvise and create music effortlessly, yet he acknowledges that even with such talent, there is always room for improvement. In essence, the more notes he doesn't play, the more opportunities he misses to express himself, thereby highlighting both the complexity of improvisation and the artist's unending pursuit of perfection in their craft.
"I play what's in my heart."
Art Tatum, a legendary jazz pianist, expresses that he plays music which originates from his emotions or feelings when he says, "I play what's in my heart." This statement encapsulates the idea of authenticity and emotional expression through music. It suggests that his performances are not merely technical demonstrations but rather, they stem from a deep and personal connection to his own emotions and creativity.
"A lot of people have a misconception about jazz – they think it's chaotic, with no structure or discipline. But there's a discipline and a structure to it that's just as demanding as playing classical music."
Art Tatum's quote emphasizes the common misunderstanding that jazz is an aimless, disorganized genre lacking in structure and discipline. On the contrary, he highlights that jazz possesses its own stringent discipline and structured framework that is equally challenging as playing classical music. This suggests that the complex rhythms, improvisation, and intricate harmonies found in jazz are not spontaneous or haphazard, but rather require an exceptional level of skill, dedication, and mastery, akin to those demanded by classical music.
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