At this time the fashion is to bring something to jazz…
“At this time the fashion is to bring something to jazz that I reject. They speak of freedom. But one has no right, under pretext of freeing yourself, to be illogical and incoherent by getting rid of structure and simply piling a lot of notes one on top of the other. There's no beat anymore. You can't keep time with your foot. I believe that what is happening to jazz with people like Ornette Coleman, for instance, is bad. There's a new idea that consists in destroying everything and find what's shocking and unexpected; whereas jazz must first of all tell a story that anyone can understand.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The author criticizes avant‑garde jazz that abandons structure, arguing true jazz should convey a clear, understandable story.
In simple terms: Jazz must retain structure and storytelling, not just chaos.
Key Takeaway
Balance innovation with coherence in music.
Themes
music
tradition
innovation
storytelling
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
musical
When to use this quote
- performance
- composition
- education
- listening practice
Key Concepts
aesthetics
musical theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How can jazz evolve without losing its narrative?
- What role does structure play in emotional impact?
A Different Perspective
Radical experimentation can alienate listeners.