When I first met Benny Goodman he wouldn't talk about anything but clarinets, mouthpieces, reeds, etc. When I tried to change the subject, he said 'But that's what we have in common. We both play clarinet.' I said, 'No, Benny, that's where we're different. You play clarinet, I play music.'
Artie ShawI was really running a music school back then, because my band wasn't making any money. I keep talking about money, because most people don't understand the part of money in running a band.
Artie ShawListening to Benny [Goodman] talk about the clarinet was like listening to a surgeon get hung up on a scalpel.
Artie ShawAn artist should write for himself & not for an audience. If the audience likes it, great. If not, they can keep away.
Artie ShawIf you donโt see the wonder in the most ordinary phenomenon, youโre not going to resonate very much.
Artie ShawWhen I first met Benny Goodman he wouldn't talk about anything but clarinets, mouthpieces, reeds, etc. When I tried to change the subject, he said 'But that's what we have in common. We both play clarinet.' I said, 'No, Benny, that's where we're different. You play clarinet, I play music.'
Artie Shaw