Certain Quote by David Sanborn
“Jazz music should be inclusive. Smooth jazz to me rules out a certain kind of drama and a certain tension that I think all music needs. Especially jazz music, since improvising is one of the cornerstones of what jazz is. And when you smooth it out, you take all the drama out of it.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Jazz Musicians on Style, 2015
Jazz loses its essential tension and improvisational spirit when overly smoothed, limiting emotional depth.
In simple terms: Smooth jazz removes drama and tension needed for true jazz.
Preserve improvisational tension in jazz.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- Live performance
- music education
- recording sessions
- concert programming
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does tension shape your musical experience?
- Can smoothness ever enhance jazz?
Over-smoothing may alienate listeners seeking dynamic contrast.