Roy on writing for Big Band and working with his band. From an interview with BBC3 in London in 2008. 

See the Roy Hargrove Big Band live - this Thursday at the Jazz Gallery!
Live and live stream tickets available…

“This is how I learned how to play, by listening and absorbing this music, from every part of its history. You know, not leaving out any part of it. If we wanna know where we’re going we have to know…

“Listening is such a big part of this thing. Listening…and absorbing it. Because this is how we learn the language that we’re speaking, you know. Don’t move, don’t do anything, just let your ears take it in.” 

- Roy Hargrove…

“We would have better rhythm section players during jam sessions if horn owners were a bit more courteous. No more than three per song and fewer choruses. This will give the congregation room to breathe and thrive with positive energy.”

…

“When I show up at a jam session, I don't want to listen to cats practicing. Every note you play is important! No filler. Respect the rhythm section. If you can't say it in two or three choruses…keep it in…

Young musicians: Get these records 

Clifford Jordan - mosaic 

Kenny Dorham - live at the Cafe Bohemia

Eric Dolphy - out to lunch!

Art Blakey - soul finger

Duke Pearson - honeybuns

- Roy Hargrove

🎧 Higher Learning Playlist IV

…

“Here's what I don't get: it's clearly the end of your solo, but something tells you to take not another, but three or more choruses extra. STOP YOURSELF! Humility goes a long way.”  

- Roy Hargrove

Young musicians: Get these records

Shirley Horn - travelin light
Nat King Cole - live at the Sands
Dexter Gordon - biting the Apple
Dizzy Gillespie - the Champ
Miles Davis - bags groove

Roy Hargrove

Full playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2JD2DctkNWfbLw2LziuBFL?si=072d8be5abfc4168

“I asked Clifford Jordan why he tapped his foot on one and three. He replied ‘If you tap your foot on two and four then where do you clap your hands?’” 

- Roy Hargrove

It’s that time. Higher Learning Playlist Part 2:

Listening recommendations from Roy.

Listen here 🎧

If you missed the first one you can catch up below, we reposted it.

Note: Clifford Brown Three Giants and Sonny Rollins Plus 4 are…