Gerry Mulligan

Eliminating the piano means that I’ve always worked closer with the bass than most players.

In a way, I started out to be a baritone player.

You can make a saxophone into an electric organ; you can do everything with it.

I’ve always wanted a C trumpet on top, to have that same kind of facility without shouting.

If you’ve only got one horn playing, I still want the sense of ensemble.

Miles Davis is one who writes songs when he plays.

I wasn’t so interested in being paid. I wanted to be heard. That’s why I’m broke.

It’s easy to play any musical instrument, just touch the right key at the right time and the instrument will play itself.

I don’t really look at my career in terms of highlights and low lights. I think I’m at this place right now and to be at this place right now I’ve had to go through many obstacles and lots of highs and lows and for me it’s about the entire journey.

My Strat is another arm, it’s part of me. It doesn’t feel like a guitar at all. It’s an implement which is my voice.

I have no elitist concepts about Jazz. I would not be the musician I am today without experiencing invaluable music styles that are at the roots of African American black life and culture.

Most of the stuff I learned to play, I learned in high school. I had a band in high school, a jazz-fusion thing, and I was the keyboard player. I was interested in how the instruments worked and the theory behind playing with them.

Live music is best! Make plans to get out and support your local Jazz scene.

I’m always thinking about creating. My future starts when I wake up in the morning and see the light. Then I’m grateful.

The jazziest American contribution to the vocabulary of English is Jazz itself.

The memory of things gone is important to a jazz musician. Things like old folks singing in the moonlight in the back yard on a hot night or something said long ago.

I like people who have worked long and hard, developing through introspection and dedication.

I was unfashionable before anyone knew who I was.

Jazz music will continue to thrive, possibly in unexpected ways.

I’ve noticed that the more adventurous and in that mode that I am, it seems that the more the audience really likes it.

Vocalists must study music and know everything an instrumentalist needs to know.