Andrew Hill

One of the great moments of my life was when I could write musician on my passport.

The more you play, the more you hear and the more you hear, the more you want to play.

An artist should write for himself and not for an audience. If the audience likes it, great. If not, they can keep away.

I never wanted to be like other blues singers. I might like hearing them play, but I’ve never wanted to be anyone other than myself. There are a few people that I’ve wished I could play like, but when I tried, it didn’t work.

People like the idea of the trio and so I did mostly trio.

Jazz is the sound of surprise.

The Jazz Age became less and less an affair of youth. The sequel was like a children’s party taken over by the elders.

Django was the definitive genius on the guitar, and the depth of his gift was so spectacular.

It takes an intelligent ear to listen to Jazz.

Practice 15 or 20 years and then it comes out spontaneously.

I hate straight singing. I have to change a tune to my own way of doing it. That’s all I know.

They’re singing your praises while stealing your phrases.

People may say I can’t sing, but no one can ever say I didn’t sing.

Music is a calling that you must bring your best to, whether listening, practicing or performing.

I was unfashionable before anyone knew who I was.