"There isn't a dearth of it, but I will confess that it's harder for me to find songs on which I'm willing to invest anything from ten to fifteen hours writing an arrangement than it was in times past"

In this quote, Mel Torme, a popular jazz vocalist and musician, assesses the changes in his innovative process over time, particularly in finding tunes that motivate him to invest substantial effort into developing arrangements. To unpack the quote, it is essential to think about a few crucial elements.

First of all, Torme states, "There isn't a dearth of it", recommending that there is no lack of songs offered to him. This indicates that the amount of music or potential product to work with is abundant. However, the abundance does not necessarily translate to creative fulfillment or inspiration.

The phrase, "I will admit that it's harder for me", indicates an individual recommendation of modification. Torme is candidly confessing that there is a personal challenge or shift in his determination or ability to engage deeply with the musical product as he when did. This openness is a window into the reflective aspect of an artist assessing his progressing relationship with his craft.

Further, Torme describes the significant financial investment needed to organize songs, "ten to fifteen hours", highlighting the considerable commitment of time and energy involved in the imaginative process. This meticulous work shows devotion and enthusiasm, crucial elements in his previous experiences. Yet, the trouble he now faces in discovering tunes worth this financial investment exposes an altering landscape-- either in the music offered, his individual taste, or his life scenarios.

The comparison, "than it was in times past", introduces the principle of nostalgia or acknowledgment of a shift over time. Maybe modifications in the music market, audience choices, or his own creative advancement have influenced his present perspective.

In essence, Torme's reflection highlights a complicated interaction between abundance and personal inspiration, representing the artist's journey as one that must adjust and recalibrate with time. It acts as a reminder of the nuanced and typically tough course of creative engagement and creative inspiration.