Brilliant Quote by Helen Merrill
![“[Miles Davis] learned from everyone. He was incredible. He took the best from everyone and threw away the rest. He was brilliant. One of the things he told me he loved about my voice was how I used space-both in music and between my voice and the mike.” quote by Helen Merrill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d14/helen-merrill-83326_brilliant_miles-davis-learned-from-everyone-he-was_3158989.jpg)
“[Miles Davis] learned from everyone. He was incredible. He took the best from everyone and threw away the rest. He was brilliant. One of the things he told me he loved about my voice was how I used space-both in music and between my voice and the mike.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Helen Merrill on Miles Davis, 1970s
Miles Davis absorbed influences, kept what worked, discarded the rest, emphasizing space in music and voice.
In simple terms: Davis learned from all, kept the best, valued space.
Key Takeaway
Embrace diverse influences, focus on what serves your art.
Themes
creativity
musicality
learning
space
collaboration
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
musical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- recording sessions
- live performance
- personal mentorship
- studio production
Key Concepts
Jazz improvisation
artistic curation
use of silence
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you decide what influences to keep?
- What role does silence play in your work?
A Different Perspective
Davis's method may overlook deep technical mastery for some.
![“I used to try to play like [Miles Davis], and Miles caught me copying him one night at Birdland. He said, 'Hey man, why don't you play some of your own stuff.' So, I finally did, because I had copied all his solos.” quote by Freddie Hubbard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d23/freddie-hubbard-25585_caught_i-used-to-try-to-play-like-miles-davis-a_232770.jpg)
![“People with talent are not interested in showing off behind another person. They're more interested in the music. [Charlie Parker] was playing with me. That's the difference between the kind of musician I like to work with and singing with a musician who thinks he has to accompany me. That is so…” quote by Helen Merrill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/478/helen-merrill-83326_accompany_people-with-talent-are-not-interested-in_437342.jpg)
