Change Quote by Kurt Elling
“Sometimes, with vocalese, I'm dealing with something, a great solo from the past, which is so iconic I can't presume to change it or mess with it.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Jazz Talk, 2019
The speaker respects classic, iconic solos and avoids altering them, valuing preservation over reinterpretation.
In simple terms: Preserve iconic solos, don’t change them.
Honor tradition, don’t over‑modify.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- Live performance
- recording sessions
- educational workshops
- music criticism
- archival projects
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance reverence with personal voice?
- When is it okay to reinterpret a classic?
May limit personal expression or innovation.