"When Hank Jones had his night off, I would get somebody to take my place as intermission pianist and I'd play the show with Ella, so I would get a chance to play with Ray Brown and Charlie Smith as well"
- George Shearing
About this Quote
George Shearing was a distinguished jazz pianist that had the opportunity to play with some of the best jazz artists of his time. In this quote, he is describing his time having fun with Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Brown, and also Charlie Smith. When Hank Jones had his night off, Shearing would take his area as intermission pianist as well as obtain the chance to play with the other three. This was a fantastic possibility for Shearing to collaborate with some of the most significant jazz musicians of the time. Shearing was able to pick up from them as well as sharpen his craft as a jazz pianist. This quote reveals Shearing's recognition for the opportunity to play with such gifted artists as well as his enthusiasm for the songs.
"One has children in the expectation of dying before them. In fact, you want to make damn sure you die before them, just as you plant a tree or build a house knowing, hoping that it will outlive you. That's how the human species has done as well as it has"
