George Shearing Quotes

Powerful George Shearing for Daily Growth

About George Shearing

George Shearing OBE (August 13, 1919 – February 14, 2011) was a groundbreaking jazz pianist, composer, and arranger known for his distinctive style that fused classical music, Latin rhythms, and jazz improvisation. Born in England, Shearing's musical journey began at an early age when he was gifted a piano after contracting tuberculosis as a child. His family moved to a sanatorium where he taught himself to play by ear. In his late teens, Shearing formed the Rhythm Boys, a band that would later be known as George Shearing and His Quintet. The group gained fame in the 1940s and 1950s for their innovative sound, marked by Shearing's use of voicings inspired by jazz harmonica players and his distinctive bell-like tone on the piano. In 1947, Shearing immigrated to the United States, where he quickly became a significant figure in the jazz world. His major works include "Lullaby of Birdland," "September in the Rain," and "Canadian Sunset." His most famous composition is arguably "Conception," a bebop standard that has been recorded by numerous artists. Shearing was known for his unique approach to improvisation, using intricate voicings and complex harmonies that challenged traditional jazz piano techniques. He worked with some of the greatest names in jazz, including Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, and Peggy Lee. In 1981, Shearing was awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to music. Despite being blind from age 43 due to diabetes-related complications, Shearing continued to perform and compose until his death in 2011 at the age of 91. His legacy lives on as a significant contributor to the evolution of jazz piano and an inspiration to countless musicians worldwide.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Music is the silent language of the soul that everyone understands."

This quote by George Shearing highlights the universal, transcendent nature of music. It suggests that despite linguistic, cultural, or societal differences, everyone can connect with and comprehend music on a deep, emotional level. This connection allows us to communicate with others in a way that transcends words, tapping into our collective humanity and allowing us to express the inexpressible - the feelings of our soul.

"Jazz is a means of expression, not a means of making a living."

This quote highlights that for jazz musicians, the primary purpose of their craft lies in self-expression rather than financial gain. The art of jazz serves as an outlet to freely communicate emotions, ideas, and stories, rather than being merely a means to generate income. It underscores the intrinsic value placed on artistic expression within this genre of music, emphasizing that true passion for jazz comes from a deep desire to share one's inner world with others.

"The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time."

This quote by George Shearing encapsulates the essence of a fulfilling life, which lies not in reaching a distant future, but rather in appreciating and enjoying the journey through time itself. It's about cherishing each moment and finding joy in the continuous flow of life, instead of solely focusing on end results or future achievements. Embracing this mindset allows us to truly live and make our days meaningful.

"I'm always improvising. I can never play a thing the same way twice."

George Shearing's quote highlights his commitment to musical creativity and spontaneity in performance. He emphasizes that he cannot replicate an exact rendition of a piece twice, demonstrating a strong affinity for improvisation—the act of creating music on the spot with no pre-written composition as a guide. This approach fosters an authentic, dynamic, and ever-evolving musical experience for both the performer and the audience.

"Music should be like an open door to a better understanding of ourselves and each other."

This quote by George Shearing emphasizes that music serves not only as a form of entertainment but also as a tool for personal growth and interpersonal connection. By engaging with music, we are encouraged to explore our emotions, thoughts, and experiences more deeply, thereby fostering self-understanding. Additionally, music can function as a universal language, enabling us to relate to others across cultural, social, and linguistic barriers, thus promoting empathy and understanding among individuals.

I think it was Duke Ellington who once said that we're always most pleased with our current record. I mean, you have to assume that you learn from one, and you do something better next time.

- George Shearing

Next, I Think, Duke

The way it works: The orchestra plays a few selections of its own and I terminate the first part of the programme on piano, usually with a movement from a Mozart concerto.

- George Shearing

Own, Works, Plays, Concerto

When Hank Jones had his night off, I would get somebody to take my place as intermission pianist and I'd play the show with Ella, so I would get a chance to play with Ray Brown and Charlie Smith as well.

- George Shearing

Play, Smith, Hank, Ella

Having a set, popular formula does inhibit you.

- George Shearing

Set, Having, Does, Inhibit

I haven't written an awful lot recently, but I think I probably will start again very shortly. Being so much on the road, when you have a couple of weeks off, you're likely to avoid sitting at the piano, and taping, and giving yourself more work to do.

- George Shearing

Very, Couple, Awful Lot, Taping

I think in certain areas the demand is greater than it has ever been, and my business is better than it's been in 30 years. The music business is so precarious, as you know-you've got to make it while you can make it, and that's exactly what we're doing.

- George Shearing

Doing, Been, I Think, Precarious

I studied with a blind teacher from about 5 until I was 16, at two different schools. From the age of 12 until 16, I was in a boarding school-which, I believe, at that time was compulsory for blind children.

- George Shearing

Blind, About, Studied, Compulsory

Teddy Wilson, I think, said a little while ago that it's much easier to come in and play whatever comes into your mind, without obeying any of the laws of bass line and harmony and so on.

- George Shearing

Harmony, Play, I Think, Wilson

You know, when you've established a certain thing, what can you do? You're stuck with it.

- George Shearing

Know, Established, Certain, Stuck

Perfect retention. I don't think I could do that-I've never disciplined myself to do it. I suppose a lot of it is a question of discipline. Which improvisation is not.

- George Shearing

Think, Disciplined, Which, Improvisation

My affiliation with England is borne out by the fact that I do come back for periodic visits.

- George Shearing

Fact, England, Visits, Affiliation

All my musical foundations go back to the age of 3. My family tell me that I used to listen to the old crystal set, then go to the piano and pick out the tune that I just heard.

- George Shearing

Old, Set, Musical, Piano

Can anybody be given a great degree of creativity? No. They can be given the equipment to develop it-if they have it in them in the first place.

- George Shearing

Anybody, First Place, Given, Equipment

I don't like freedom jazz - I think it's void of roots and void of foundation.

- George Shearing

Freedom, Think, I Think, Void

I was born in London in 1919. I first went to America in 1946 for a three-month holiday. Then I came back, worked here for almost a year sold up my home and went back on immigration in 1947.

- George Shearing

London, Here, Almost, Three-Month

In Braille you write your flat sign first and then your note.

- George Shearing

Sign, Note, Your, Flat

We're travelling for about nine-and-a-half months a year.

- George Shearing

Year, About, Months, Travelling

I don't think you can contrive any sound.

- George Shearing

Think, Sound, Any, Contrive

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.