McCoy Tyner Quotes

To me living and music are all the same thing. And I keep finding out more about music as I learn more about myself, my environment, about all kinds of different things in life. I play what I live. Therefore, just as I can't predict what kinds of experiences I'm going to have, I can't predict the directions in which my music will go. I just want to write and play my instrument as I feel.

Sometimes it's nice to try different instruments because they have a different sound to offer and therefore your approach changes a little bit. But, I always come back to the piano.

I'll just try to keep my mind open to whatever comes my way.

Every performance is different, but I try to approach them in the same way and give it my all.

With all the travelling and performing I've been doing, it's hard to find time to practice! But seriously, I probably did most of my practicing when I was younger.

I really love the piano and I feel very fortunate that I am able to play and travel all over the world as my career.

My mother gave me a choice. She said, 'Would you like to take singing lessons or piano.' I'm glad I chose piano.

I try not to look back too much, but sometimes it's nice to reflect.

I think it was a natural step to start recording my own music.

You have to listen to what someone is doing and help them get to where they want to go, musically speaking. I play a supporting role if someone else is soloing, and a guitarist will do the same for me while I am soloing.

I really do enjoy accompanying people - it's a challenge and a joy when you get it right.

Jazz is not gonna be a dinosaur and stay around in one form.

Playing solo is difficult because you have to keep the momentum yourself. You have to continue to create and develop, so it forces you to stretch in a variety of ways.

I remember coming home from school - I couldn't wait to get to the piano so I could play and practice.

I try to play what comes naturally at the moment and let it happen.

When a man's faith is never tried, I don't think he'll ever learn anything. You have to have trial and tribulation, or what are you going to learn?

The piano is like an orchestra - I'm very fortunate that I chose it as my instrument.