"The piano is kind of my second instrument"

In the quote "The piano is kind of my second instrument", Bill Bruford, an accomplished drummer, discreetly exposes a multifaceted element of his musical journey. Bruford is best understood for his influential role on the planet of progressive rock music, particularly with bands like Yes, King Crimson, and his own group, Bruford. When he refers to the piano as his "2nd instrument", a number of layers of meaning can be determined.

Initially, the phrase shows that the piano holds a supplementary but significant location in Bruford's musical repertoire. As a drummer, his main instrument is, of course, the drums. However, describing the piano as his "2nd instrument" recommends that he has invested time and effort in learning and playing it, highlighting his flexibility and dedication to music beyond his main role. This highlights the importance of the piano in his more comprehensive understanding of music, structure, and theory.

The choice of words like "sort of" also indicates a modest and nuanced viewpoint. By not definitively stating the piano as his second instrument, Bruford could be acknowledging his skill level on the piano might not match his drumming proficiency, or perhaps it reflects a casual method to it compared to his expert drumming career. Nonetheless, the role of the piano in his music-making process should not be underestimated. It likely adds to his compositional abilities and understanding of harmony, tune, and tune structure, which are important to his progressive rock compositions.

Furthermore, this declaration communicates the concept of creative expedition and growth. For an artist like Bruford, finding out a second instrument represents an expansion of his creative horizons. The piano, being a harmonically abundant and versatile instrument, provides a platform for more comprehensive expression and innovation. It can act as a tool for making up and arranging music, enabling him to conceptualize rhythms and structures that may be more tough on percussion alone.

In essence, Bruford's comment on the piano as his "2nd instrument" encapsulates his multifaceted musicianship, humbleness, and continuous quest for creative advancement.