“Introductions, interludes, endings. All very important when creating music. A pianist should (have) at least ten stock endings in their arsenal of musical tools. It happens a lot -- cats get to the end and no one knows what to do. Cadences: authentic, plagal, deceptive etc…” - Roy Hargrove

From 2009 interview with Ted Panken. Click here for full interview. 

Ted Panken: "Playing in big bands was a rite of passage for many of the older musicians who were your heroes, who came up before 1955-1960."  

Roy Hargrove: "That’s why I think the music needs this. It creates some kind of humility. It’s very needed. Excuse me, but a lot of times, especially now, when I got to the jam sessions, people are so ego! I’ll give you an example. We’ll play an F-blues, and everybody with an instrument will get up and play, and it goes on for three hours. Each musician will play 100 choruses. There’s no humility there. Big bands, large ensembles create an environment where you don’t have to play for two hours and stretch out. Everybody can’t be John Coltrane! Sometimes you can just play half a chorus. Charlie Parker will play a half chorus and blow your mind! There’s something to be said about being able to trim it down—say less but have it have more meaning."

“Musicians should always look their best when performing. It shows respect. Also, professionalism. You never know who’s watching.”

- 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.”

- Roy Hargrove

"Knowing songs helps us to understand the fabric of the music both melodically and lyrically. If you know the words you can interpret the feeling or mood of the song. Knowing melodies extends your improvisational tools from academic to memorable."

- Roy Hargrove

Jackie McLean - jacknife

Blue Mitchell - blue's moods

Charlie Parker - bird with strings

Charlie Rouse - unsung hero

Clifford Jordan - glass bead games

Midnight star - no parking on the dance floor

Parliament - trombipulation

LTD - devotion

Prince - for you

Run DMC - raising hell

"Rhythm and melody! Everybody understands that. There is always that phrase that sticks in your head. Or that beat that makes you dance." - Roy Hargrove

"I was told by an elder: Composing is important. This is how you find your identity in music." - Roy Hargrove

Clifford Jordan - mosaic 

Kenny Dorham - live at the Cafe Bohemia

Eric Dolphy - out to lunch!

Art Blakey - soul finger

Duke Pearson - honeybuns