I've always told the musicians in my band to play what they know and then play above that. Because then anything can happen, and that's where great art and music happens.
Miles DavisIn other words, an instrument should be an extension of you; it's supposed to sound like you - the way you walk, the way you dress, you know.
Miles DavisWhat's swinging in words? If a guy makes you pat your foot and if you feel it down your back, you don't have to ask anybody if that's good music or not. You can always feel it.
Miles DavisIf you hit a wrong note, it's the next note that you play that determines if it's good or bad.
Miles DavisI would never try and play like Harry James, because I don't like his tone - for me. It's just white. You know what I mean? He has what we black trumpet players call a white sound. But it's for white music ... I can tell a white trumpet player, just listening to a record. There'll be something he'll do that'll let me know that he's white.
Miles Davis