This quote by Alistair Cooke is referring to the concept of canned music, which is pre-recorded music that is typically utilized in public locations such as shopping center, dining establishments, and elevators. Cooke is recommending that this type of music is not especially interesting or intriguing, however rather it is simply there in the background, like wallpaper. He is implying that it is not particularly promoting or enjoyable, however rather it is simply a part of the environment that is not particularly discovered. Simply put, it is not something that individuals actively listen to, but rather it is just there in the background. This quote is a commentary on the concept that canned music is not especially appealing or intriguing, however rather it is just there in the background, like wallpaper.
"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away"
"Jazz vision is the fusion of music and art a real paradox of same-yet different. Here we play in exchanges, like the hardness of the key of c# major and from the softness of Db major - capturing, reflecting and improvising"