"Playing "bop" is like playing Scrabble with all the vowels missing"

Duke Ellington's quote is a metaphor comparing the difficulty of playing "bop" to playing Scrabble with no vowels. He is suggesting that playing "bop" is a difficult task, as it resembles playing a game of Scrabble without any of the most essential pieces. Without vowels, it is hard to form words and make development in the game. Likewise, without the right notes and rhythms, it is hard to make development in playing "bop".

Ellington's quote is also a testament to the intricacy of "bop" as a category of music. It requires a lot of skill and understanding to be able to play it correctly. It is not something that can be discovered overnight, and it takes a lot of practice and dedication to master.

Ellington's quote is a reminder that playing "bop" is an uphill struggle, and it needs to not be taken lightly. It requires a good deal of skill and understanding, and it is not something that can be learned over night. It is a challenge, but it is also a rewarding experience.