Able Quote by Paul Bley
![“Ornette Coleman wasn't sure whether he was going to continue with Charlie Haden-Charlie had some personal problems. I said "You've got to be kidding! There's no one on the globe who will be able to accompany you" and no one ever did. [Scott LaFaro] was playing atonally and certainly Ornette was…” quote by Paul Bley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bb9/paul-bley-46715_able_ornette-coleman-wasn-t-sure-whether-he-w_3200759.jpg)
“Ornette Coleman wasn't sure whether he was going to continue with Charlie Haden-Charlie had some personal problems. I said "You've got to be kidding! There's no one on the globe who will be able to accompany you" and no one ever did. [Scott LaFaro] was playing atonally and certainly Ornette was not an atonal player. Jimmy Garrison was a tonal player. He wasn't even polytonal or atonal.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Jazz discussion, 1975, DownBeat Magazine
He describes the difficulty of finding compatible collaborators in avant‑garde jazz, highlighting the rarity of true musical partnership.
In simple terms: Finding the right musical partner is hard.
Key Takeaway
Seek collaborators who share your artistic vision.
Themes
creativity
collaboration
musical compatibility
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- recording sessions
- live performances
- rehearsals
Key Concepts
jazz improvisation
artistic integrity
Questions to Reflect On
- What qualities make a musical partnership work?
- How do you handle creative conflict?
A Different Perspective
Artistic differences can limit collaboration.
