Stan Getz

My life is music, and in some vague, mysterious and subconscious way, I have always been driven by a taut inner spring which has propelled me to almost compulsively reach for perfection in music, often -in fact, mostly -at the expense of everything else in my life.

I never have any trouble playing anything I can think of. The trouble is thinking of what to play.

Other than conversation, no other art form can give the satisfaction of spontaneous interaction like Jazz.

A good quartet is like a good conversation among friends interacting to each other’s ideas.

You don’t rehearse Jazz to death to get the camera angles.

I came from an era when we didn’t use electronic instruments. The bass wasn’t even amplified. The sound was the sound you got.

Jazz without the Blues is like BBQ without the sauce.

Some people feel the rain. Others just get wet.

For years the trio did nothing but play for musicians and other hip people. We starved.

It’s just exciting to be part of something that is brand-new.

You blows who you is.

The only award I’ve ever worked for or wanted really were the ones that were given to me by the fans. So, whether it’s a platinum record or hit songs, those are the ones that last the most.

Risk is at the heart of Jazz. Every note we play is a risk.

The sign of a mature musician is knowing what not to play.

For most dates I was paid the sum of $1 per hr and they always tipped me at the end of the night.

Music is to the soul what water is to the body.

When it comes to music, don’t lie to yourself; just tell yourself the truth.

To this day, I don’t like people walking on stage not looking good. You have to look good. If you feel special about yourself then you’re going to play special.

A Jazz performance centers upon the process of creation. The final objective is not only the finished product, but the path and process taken towards it.

You can’t copy anybody and end up with anything. If you copy, you’re working without any real feeling.

The value of music is to be able to play one note at the right time in the right way.