"To some degree, yeah, because I have to play a certain number of originals that might be considered avant-garde material. I realize though, that only a few people in the audience actually know what that music is, or understand it"

Archie Shepp is a jazz artist who is going over the challenge of playing progressive product in a live setting. He acknowledges that while he needs to play a particular number of originals that are considered avant-garde, just a few people in the audience will really comprehend or appreciate the music. This suggests that Shepp knows the trouble of playing avant-garde music in a live setting, as it may not be as available to the basic audience. He is most likely trying to stabilize the need to play his own initial product with the need to please the audience. This quote highlights the challenge of playing progressive music in a live setting, as it may not be as commonly appreciated or comprehended. Shepp is likely trying to find a method to satisfy both his own innovative requirements and the requirements of the audience.