"If it’s not swinging then what’s the point?"
“...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 the case.”
Higher learning:
By Roy Hargrove
Ministry
"Music is a kind of ministry. It has the power to uplift. In the right circumstances, we are vessels that give unconditional blessing to those listening. We must use this gift carefully, wisely." - Roy Hargrove
Words of wisdom (BBC interview)
Playlist III
Shirley Horn - Travelin light
Nat King Cole - Live at the Sands
Dexter Gordon - Biting the Apple
Dizzy Gillespie - The Champ
Miles Davis - Bags groove
Playlist II
Horace Silver - the Jody grind
Wayne Shorter - the all seeing eye
Sonny Clark - leapin and lopin
Clifford Brown - three giants (plus 4)
Shirley Horn - here's to life
- Roy Hargrove
Playlist I
Young musicians: Get these records
Wayne Shorter "The Soothsayer"
Freddie Hubbard "The hub of Hubbard"
John Coltrane "Ballads"
Ahmad Jamal "Live at the Pershing"
Donald Byrd "Fuego"
- Roy Hargrove
Bird
"Bird is essential. The fabric of this music deals with harmonic integrity. Trying to be an improviser without knowing Bird is like writing a novel with no vocabulary." - Roy Hargrove
Ear training
"Knowledge of music theory in a literal sense is essential, however to be a complete musician, ear training is also quite necessary. You have to be able to play what you hear. Your instrument is like an extension of your body. Music learned by ear stays with you." - Roy Hargrove