"I saw Al Foster with Miles Davis the other week. It was beautiful. But, the whole thing was, Al Foster played as well as everybody else, but all of them were quite brilliant under Miles Davis' direction"
About this Quote
In this quote, Charlie Watts, the celebrated drummer of The Rolling Stones, is using a reflection on a live performance he witnessed including Al Foster, an extremely respected jazz drummer, together with the famous trumpeter Miles Davis. Watts is conveying a mix of adoration and insight, recording the essence of the performance as both specific and cumulative brilliance under the management of Miles Davis.
Firstly, Watts' acknowledgment of Al Foster verifies Foster's extraordinary musicianship. The expression "Al Foster played in addition to everyone else" is a high compliment, thinking about the caliber of musicians normally surrounding a figure like Davis. It recommends that Foster's skill was on par with his esteemed coworkers, each contributing uniquely to the magic of the performance. Watts' words underscore the level of excellence required to carry out with artists of such a high pedigree and the mutual regard amongst artists at this level.
Additionally, Watts utilizes the descriptor "stunning" to encapsulate the aesthetic and emotional effect of the show. This option of word communicates a deep gratitude, recommending that what taken place transcended technical skill and touched on something more extensive, resonant, and moving. For Watts, an artist known for his impressive timing and subtle artistry, to describe the occasion in such terms hints at an experience that goes beyond the ordinary, indicating the power of live jazz to evoke extensive emotional actions.
The key element in Watts' observation is Miles Davis' function as a leader. Although each musician was "rather brilliant", Watts highlights that their luster was enhanced "under Miles Davis' instructions". This suggests Davis' skill at utilizing and elevating the skills of his ensemble, orchestrating a cumulative efficiency that permits each musician's uniqueness to shine while contributing to a cohesive, unified noise. In jazz, where improvisation is main, the leader's ability to navigate and direct the ensemble is essential, and Davis was renowned for his vision and management. Watts' gratitude here may likewise reflect a drummer's insight into the nuanced role of directing rhythm and noise, similar to his experiences with his own band.
In summary, Charlie Watts' quote is an event of proficiency-- specific proficiency demonstrated by Al Foster and his fellow artists, and the overarching creative vision of Miles Davis, which illuminated and integrated their talents into a remarkable musical experience.
More details
About the Author