Chick Corea

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

Art is a subject that is inundated with opinions. In fact, that’s all it is about is opinions.

Without a doubt, my richest relationships are my long-term friendships with musical partners, because we make music together. That’s what we love to do with our lives.

Only play what you hear. If you don’t hear anything, don’t play anything.

It’s difficult for me to dislike an artist, no matter what he’s creating.

Only a spiritual being has awareness.

Despite the fact I’m a professional performer, it’s true that I have always preferred playing without an audience.

If you are not doing what you love, you are wasting your time!

A guy is influenced by hundreds of people and things, and all show up in his work. To fasten on any one or two is ridiculous. I will say one thing, though. Lennie Tristano’s early records impressed me tremendously. Tunes like ‘Tautology,’ ‘Marshmallow,’ and ‘Fishin’ Around.’ I heard the fellows in his group building their lines with a design and general structure that was different from anything I’d ever heard in jazz.

What kills me is that everybody thinks I like Jazz.

You can’t sing about love unless you know about it.

I am a writer – that is what I am before being a performer or musician. I love waking up in the morning and then going to sleep that night with something that did not exist.

Yeah, it’s more like playing what you think is appropriate for the moment, not forcing any particular style.

True music must repeat the thought and inspirations of the people and the time. My people are Americans and my time is today.

I keep these songs in my head until I get behind the microphone. I never spend more than 30 or 40 minutes singing the vocal or it will sound mechanical. There are always mistakes, but it’s about feeling more than being perfect.

I often wonder whether Negroes like myself who are pretty well known help out at all in breaking down barriers.

We’re more popular than Jesus now; I don’t know which will go first, rock ‘n’ roll or Christianity.

Even if you have some brilliant jazz ideas, it’s going to be difficult to get them across unless you have 1-a distinctive sound or 2- a loud sound. These are musts.

Only play what you hear. If you don’t hear anything, don’t play anything.

The greatest thing about music is putting it out there for people to figure out.

When you just get mixed up and there’s too much going on, then it’s time to pick up your guitar.