"Jazz is there and gone. It happens. You have to be present for it. That simple"
About this Quote
In this quote, jazz pianist and composer Keith Jarrett encapsulates the ephemeral and spontaneous nature of jazz music. His statement suggests that jazz is a living, breathing art type-- vibrant and transient-- that requires the listener's full existence to really experience its essence.
Jazz is renowned for its improvisational core. Unlike structures that are diligently prepared and replicated, jazz prospers on the unpredictability of the minute. Each efficiency is distinct, formed by the interaction between artists, their instruments, and the energy in the room. When Jarrett says, "Jazz exists and gone. It happens", he highlights how each minute in jazz is short lived and unrepeatable. This spontaneous quality is what makes jazz both interesting and extensive.
The phrase "You have to exist for it" underlines the requirement of being psychologically and emotionally attuned to record the short-term beauty of jazz. Jazz does not unfold according to a rigorous blueprint; rather, it ebbs and flows in real-time, frequently taking both musicians and listeners on an unexpected journey. Being present methods being open to this unfolding, engaging with the music as it takes place, without expecting what follows or keeping what has actually passed. It's about immersing oneself fully in the 'now' of the efficiency, valuing the subtleties of each note, each pause, and the complex discussion between musicians.
Lastly, Jarrett's summation, "That easy", acts as a suggestion that while jazz might appear complex in its execution or structure, its appreciation is rooted in an easy act of existence. By being totally present, one can value the raw, immediate beauty that jazz provides. It is a call to mindfulness-- a recommendation that the real essence of jazz is accessible to anybody willing to journey with the music moment by minute. This perspective welcomes us to approach life likewise, cherishing its short lived minutes with awareness and gratitude.
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