“The only thing I know is that I paint because I need to, and I paint whatever passes through my head without any other consideration.”
– Frida Kahlo
This is what I aspire to in art and music, my ideal. She lived her life like a work of art. Her art is so visceral, a naked wire connecting her to the world and whoever views her work back to her life. She is the epitome of a truly artistic soul.
“Don’t play what’s there, play what’s not there.” – Miles Davis
A true pioneer thinks about what could exist, and what is in the world that is waiting to be found. He was a difficult and often contentious person, but his music was always and still is a step in a direction nobody else has taken. I listen to Live/Evil and Bitches Brew now and it still seems fresh and raw that it could bleed. His 50’s and early 6o’s work with Coltrane, Monk and Hancock are amazingly fresh. Someone said that what made Louis Armstrong great was the notes he didn’t play, his choice of notes along with the power and passion he put into the notes he did play, but Miles took it into a new place so cool. Louis Armstrong made jazz a path; Miles followed that path into a cool new country where all directions are possible. Jazz is still there.
“Popular opinion is the greatest lie in the world”– Carlyle
This quote seems more true today than at any other time in human history. I am not sure which Carlyle said or wrote this (there are several to choose from) but it was too good to pass up on account of that. If anybody knows or finds out, please leave a comment.