They’re not particular about whether you’re playing a flatted fifth or a ruptured 129th as long as they can dance to it.
Meaning of the quote
This quote means that the people listening to the music don't really care what specific notes or chords the musician is playing, as long as they can move and dance to the rhythm and beat of the music. The important thing is that the music makes them want to dance, not the technical details of how it's played.
About Dizzy Gillespie
Dizzy Gillespie was an American jazz trumpet virtuoso and bandleader who helped pioneer the bebop style of jazz. He was known for his showmanship, scat singing, and unique personal style, including his bent horn and pouched cheeks. Gillespie had a major influence on the development of modern jazz and taught and inspired many other renowned musicians.
Tags
More quotes from Dizzy Gillespie
They’re not particular about whether you’re playing a flatted fifth or a ruptured 129th as long as they can dance to it.
American jazz trumpeter (1917-1993)
How do I know why Miles walks off the stage? Why don’t you ask him? And besides, maybe we’d all like to be like Miles, and just haven’t got the guts.
American jazz trumpeter (1917-1993)
I don’t care much about music. What I like is sounds.
American jazz trumpeter (1917-1993)
Men have died for this music. You can’t get more serious than that.
American jazz trumpeter (1917-1993)
I always try to teach by example and not force my ideas on a young musician. One of the reasons we’re here is to be a part of this process of exchange.
American jazz trumpeter (1917-1993)
I’d like to play for you one of my compositions, my only composition.
American jazz trumpeter (1917-1993)
It’s taken me all my life to learn what not to play.
American jazz trumpeter (1917-1993)
I think the idea is now for blacks to write about the history of our music. It’s time for that, because whites have been doing it all the time. It’s time for us to do it ourselves and tell it like it is.
American jazz trumpeter (1917-1993)