George Shearing quotes

George Shearing was a British jazz pianist and composer celebrated for his distinct style and contributions to jazz music. His elegant playing and innovative arrangements shaped the sound of modern jazz in the mid-20th century. He became an influential figure, inspiring musicians and audiences worldwide. Here are 12 of his quotes:

In Braille you write your flat sign first and then your note.

George Shearing

Perfect retention. I dont think I could do that-Ive never disciplined myself to do it.I suppose a lot of it is a question of discipline. Which improvisation is not.

George Shearing

I haven't written an awful lot recently, but I think I probably will start again very shortly. Being so much on the road, when you have a couple of weeks off, you're likely to avoid sitting at the piano, and taping, and giving yourself more work to do.

George Shearing

You know, when you've established a certain thing, what can you do? You're stuck with it.

George Shearing

I don't like freedom jazz - I think it's void of roots and void of foundation.

George Shearing

The way it works: The orchestra plays a few selections of its own and I terminate the first part of the programme on piano, usually with a movement from a Mozart concerto.

George Shearing

When Hank Jones had his night off, I would get somebody to take my place as intermission pianist and I'd play the show with Ella, so I would get a chance to play with Ray Brown and Charlie Smith as well.

George Shearing

Can anybody be given a great degree of creativity? No. They can be given the equipment to develop it-if they have it in them in the first place.

George Shearing

I don't think you can contrive any sound.

George Shearing

Teddy Wilson, I think, said a little while ago that it's much easier to come in and play whatever comes into your mind, without obeying any of the laws of bass line and harmony and so on.

George Shearing