To be a true artist you have to play the way you feel – not the way others think you should feel.
About Don Ellis
Donald Johnson Elliswas an American jazz trumpeter, drummer, composer, and bandleader. He is best known for his extensive musical experimentation, particularly in the area of time signatures.
More quotes from Don Ellis
I expect the audience to come up to my level. I am not interested in compromising my music to make it palatable to an assumed sub-standard mass.
American jazz musician (1934-1978)
To be a true artist you have to play the way you feel – not the way others think you should feel.
American jazz musician (1934-1978)
If one takes all the styles in jazz harmonically from the earliest beginnings to the latest experiments, he still has a rather limited scope when compared to the rest of music in the world.
American jazz musician (1934-1978)
I got bored with the old way – it came too easy. I worked until I could play and chord changes at any tempo in any key, and then said ‘What else is there?’ Now I’m finding out.
American jazz musician (1934-1978)
On those long notes behind the trumpet solo, if anyone lets his mind wander for a minute he is dead.
American jazz musician (1934-1978)
Because when we are right there is not a band in the world that can touch us!
American jazz musician (1934-1978)