Jazz Quote by Stasia Ward Kehoe
““There are more guys than girls in jazz. Next-to-no lady trumpeters (oh, there are a few) but it doesn't matter because, for me, jazz trumpet is all about one guy Miles Davis. He made this famous album in 1959 called Kind of Blue which is kind of, always, how I feel. That album gets into your bones goes and goes starts, hesitates, reaches out, feels for the music, the sound, the thing you want to change. Always grasping for the unattainable makes you kind of excited, kind of sorry.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Jazz Musicians and Gender, 2020
The speaker highlights the scarcity of female jazz trumpeters, emphasizing personal inspiration from Miles Davis and the relentless pursuit of artistic perfection, which fuels both excitement and melancholy.
In simple terms: Few women play jazz trumpet; personal inspiration drives artistic striving.
Key Takeaway
Pursue mastery despite barriers.
Themes
music
gender
inspiration
artistry
perfection
Mood
inspired
melancholic
hopeful
Type
motivational
reflective
When to use this quote
- music practice
- education
- performance preparation
- career mentorship
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
role models
creative drive
gender disparity
Questions to Reflect On
- What can institutions do to support female instrumentalists?
- How does personal inspiration shape artistic goals?
A Different Perspective
It may generalize experiences and ignore systemic barriers faced by women.
![“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)
