Criteria Quote by Branford Marsalis
“If youre going to use standards as criteria for signing musicians, you can sign thousands. If youre going to use some sort of conceptual interpretation thats based on the tradition of those standards, but is trying to move away from it, youre down to about 10 people or so.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Jazz Talk, 2005
Choosing standards as a hiring metric yields many candidates; using deep conceptual interpretation narrows the field to a few true innovators.
In simple terms: Broad criteria bring many options; deep criteria limit to few.
Define what truly matters in selection.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- Hiring musicians
- curating playlists
- educational curricula
- festival programming
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What qualities do you prioritize in talent?
- How can you balance tradition and innovation?
Broad criteria may overlook unique voices.