Famous quote by Bill Bruford

"I didn't write any music at all, and then, I remember Jon Anderson being very insistent saying that there were two kinds of musicians: the ones who wrote music and the ones who didn't"

About this Quote

Bill Bruford's quote uses a look into the dichotomy of musicianship and creative imagination. In this statement, Bruford, a renowned drummer best known for his work with bands like Yes and King Crimson, reviews an essential motivational minute in his musical career. This minute is formed by the insistence of Jon Anderson, the lead vocalist of Yes, and highlights the essential role that mentorship and peer influence play in an artist's advancement.

Bruford begins by confessing a lack of individual effort in composing music. This confession is not unusual amongst musicians who primarily carry out or analyze the work of others. Many musicians possess enormous technical proficiency but might not initially endeavor into composition, seeing their role as entirely interpretative rather than innovative. Bruford's declaration suggests that he initially fell into this classification, material with performing instead of producing.

Jon Anderson's insistence presents a turning point for Bruford. Anderson defines musicians into two unique categories: those who write music and those who do not. This simplification highlights a viewed hierarchy within the music world, where creators or composers are often viewed as the driving force behind musical development and advancement. This viewpoint suggests that those who compose music possess an exceptional or more complete musicianship because they contribute original work to the cultural milieu.

The persistence of Anderson might have served as a catalyst for Bruford to re-evaluate his method to music and possibly motivated him to explore his capability as an author. It is a call to action, advising Bruford to transition from the role of an entertainer to that of a developer-- an essential step for any artist looking for to leave a long lasting influence on their discipline.

In essence, this quote functions as a testament to the power of mentorship and the transformative impact of re-defining one's function from that of an interpreter to a creator. It sheds light on the internal and external influences that push individuals beyond their perceived constraints into new realms of creativity and expression.

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About the Author

United Kingdom Flag This quote is written / told by Bill Bruford somewhere between May 17, 1949 and today. He/she was a famous Musician from United Kingdom. The author also have 26 other quotes.
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