Guy Quote by Miles Davis
“If you had to call it "unison", it ain't unison. It ain't the same as somebody else. If you can hear that it's unison, and you have to name it something other than "unison", it ain't unison, you know what I mean? It's two guys playin', but one guy is playin' slightly out of tune, one is playin' slightly off meter.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Jazz Improvisation, 1972
Unison is not true harmony when parts are slightly out of tune or off meter; it’s a loose coordination, not perfect alignment.
In simple terms: Unison isn’t perfect harmony.
Key Takeaway
Recognize subtle differences in collaboration.
Themes
music
collaboration
harmony
improvisation
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
musical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Band rehearsals
- live performances
- studio recordings
Key Concepts
Jazz theory
rhythmic syncopation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance unity and individuality in teamwork?
- When is slight deviation beneficial?
A Different Perspective
Even near-unison can create tension that may be artistic.
![“The reason [drummers] call things "unison", and they sound unison, is because you actually play two different tempos . . . like you're a little sharp, or a little flat; it's so slight that they call it "unison", but it's not unison.” quote by Miles Davis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/78b/miles-davis-1842_different_the-reason-drummers-call-things-unison-a_1636596.jpg)
![“These two guys [Donald Trump and Chris Christie] kinds find each other. They love each other. They were playing let's spend the night together when I turned the TV in the hotel today. I was like oh, my goodness.But it's like the worst buddy movie. They degrade women. They steal candy from orphans…” quote by Joan Walsh Anglund](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/361/joan-walsh-anglund-19798_buddy_these-two-guys-donald-trump-and-chris-ch_1110258.jpg)
![“[Prince] could very well be the Duke Ellington of Rock 'n' Roll.” quote by Miles Davis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0fa/miles-davis-1842_dukes_prince-could-very-well-be-the-duke-ellin_142140.jpg)
