"I suppose because I have a good ear, I could pick out harmonies and learn by ear. I still think that you have to have an ear for music to really be able to feel and understand what you're playing. You can learn by watching and listening to other people"

Mick Taylor reflects on the significance of having a keen musical ear and its impact on both learning and performing music. He recognizes his own ability to pick out harmonies and emphasizes learning by ear, an instinctive process that comes from really listening to music rather than solely reading or following instructions mechanically. This approach allows for a deeper connection to the nuances and emotional currents that run through a piece, facilitating a more genuine and intuitive understanding of what is being played.

Taylor points to the idea that possessing an "ear for music" is something of an innate quality, an aptitude that allows musicians to sense the subtle details in melody, harmony, and rhythm. While technical skill and practice are undeniably important, the ability to really ‘feel’ music sets certain musicians apart. It's through this combination of listening and feeling that one moves beyond just playing the correct notes, to truly understanding and expressing the emotional content of the music.

He also acknowledges that learning doesn’t happen in isolation. Watching and listening to other musicians is an essential part of musical growth. Through observation, a musician can absorb different interpretations, techniques, and expressions, further deepening their own appreciation and understanding. However, Taylor subtly asserts that the foundation must always be a deep-seated sensitivity to music itself; without this, learning can become a superficial exercise, lacking the emotional depth that characterizes great musical performances.

Ultimately, Taylor’s reflections suggest that developing as a musician is about cultivating both a discerning ear and a capacity for empathetic listening. These qualities enable one to truly grasp the soul of the music, to go beyond technical execution and discover the emotional resonance that defines memorable performances and personal artistry.