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Eddie Condon Quotes

Powerful Eddie Condon for Daily Growth

About Eddie Condon

Eddie Condon (1905-1973), an influential jazz musician, bandleader, and club owner, was a pivotal figure in the revival of traditional jazz during the mid-20th century. Born on February 8, 1905, in Chicago, Illinois, Condon began his musical journey as a self-taught banjo player. His passion for music deepened when he heard recordings by early jazz legends like Louis Armstrong and Bix Beiderbecke. In the 1920s, Condon moved to New York City and joined several bands, including the New Orleans Rhythm Kings with Joe Venuti and Eddie Lang. However, it was his move to Paris in 1928 that truly marked his career. There, he formed the Jazz Band Balalaika with French musicians, playing at the legendary Hot Club de France. Upon returning to the United States in 1934, Condon opened a series of jazz clubs in Chicago and New York City, notably Eddie Condon's Front Room and Eddie Condon's Back Room. These venues became meeting places for many of the era's most prominent jazz musicians, fostering a revival of traditional jazz styles. Condon's major works include numerous recordings throughout his career, such as "Eddie Condon's Chicago 7" (1938) and "Jazz Masters of Our Time" (1952). He is also remembered for his autobiography, "So Is Jazz," published in 1960. Condon's influence extended beyond his music. His clubs served as hubs for the jazz community, allowing musicians to collaborate and develop their craft. Condon's emphasis on traditional jazz helped preserve its history while also shaping the future of the genre. Eddie Condon passed away on August 29, 1973. His legacy continues to inspire jazz enthusiasts and musicians worldwide.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The only thing better than playing jazz guitar is listening to it."

This quote emphasizes the duality of appreciation and creation in jazz music, as embodied by playing and listening to jazz guitar. Eddie Condon suggests that while playing jazz guitar offers a unique sense of accomplishment and joy, there is nothing more rewarding than passively enjoying the music - immersing oneself in the complex rhythms, harmonies, and improvisations that define this genre. Essentially, it's acknowledging that both creating and experiencing jazz music are essential aspects of truly understanding its beauty and spirit.

"Jazz is the only good music."

Eddie Condon's statement "Jazz is the only good music" reflects a deeply personal and subjective viewpoint, emphasizing his profound appreciation for jazz as a musical genre. This quote does not imply that other forms of music are inherently bad or without merit, but rather emphasizes Condon's strong emotional attachment to jazz. As with all art, the beauty lies in the individual interpretation and enjoyment of each listener.

"I don't know anything about theory. I just play what I feel."

This quote emphasizes the emotional, intuitive approach to music-making by Eddie Condon. He suggests that rather than relying on formal musical education or adhering strictly to theoretical principles, he simply plays based on his feelings and emotions, allowing for a more authentic and personal interpretation of the music. It highlights the importance of self-expression and individuality in jazz music and improvisation.

"When you get right down to it, jazz is blues played by people who can read music."

Eddie Condon's statement suggests that at its core, Jazz music shares a fundamental connection with Blues - an emotional depth and resonance. The difference lies in the musicians' ability to express this through sheet music (i.e., their proficiency in reading). This quote emphasizes the importance of both the innate blues feel and technical skill in defining what jazz is as a genre.

"If you don't live it, it won't come out your horn."

This quote by Eddie Condon emphasizes that genuine emotion and experience are essential to authentic artistic expression, particularly in music. The idea is that the feelings one encounters in life will naturally flow through an artist's instrument (in this case, a musical instrument), mirroring the depth of their personal experiences. In other words, you can't fake real emotions; they must come from within to produce truly moving and resonant art.

As it enters the ear, does it come in like broken glass or does it come in like honey?

- Eddie Condon

Broken, Glass, Like, Honey

Someday we may have as many followers as the harpsichord.

- Eddie Condon

Followers, May, Many, Someday

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