"The biggest part of a jazz musician's job is to be original."
This quote by Artie Shaw emphasizes the importance of originality in jazz music. It suggests that being original, or creating one's unique style and expression, is not just an aspect but a crucial component of a jazz musician's role. This originality sets them apart, contributing to their individual artistic identity and enriching the broader genre. In essence, it encourages musicians to strive for authentic self-expression within the framework of jazz music.
"You can't direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails."
This quote by Artie Shaw suggests that we don't have control over certain external factors or challenges in life (the wind), but we do have control over how we respond to them (adjusting the sails). In other words, while we can't change adversity, we can adapt our actions, attitudes, and strategies to navigate through it effectively.
"I didn't quit show business – show business quit me."
This quote suggests that Artie Shaw, a renowned jazz musician, felt that his departure from show business was not voluntary but rather due to external factors beyond his control. It implies that the entertainment industry or its demands were no longer conducive to his personal or artistic satisfaction, causing him to effectively retire.
"The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps rule."
Artie Shaw's quote suggests that the music industry can be unforgiving and superficial, primarily concerned with financial gains at the expense of artists. He implies that unscrupulous individuals often control this industry, exploiting artists for monetary gain, much like thieves or pimps. This perspective highlights a perceived imbalance between the power held by the industry leaders (thieves and pimps) and the artists themselves (the 'musicians' in this metaphorical 'trench').
"All I want to do is be left alone - merely to avoid the crowding of the marketplace."
This quote suggests that Artie Shaw values solitude and personal space, as a means of escaping the overstimulation and pressure of societal expectations or the competitive environment (the "marketplace"). It implies a desire for individuality, independence, and freedom from the demands and expectations placed upon him by others.
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