Quotes by Roscoe Mitchell

About Roscoe Mitchell:

Roscoe Mitchell is an American composer, jazz instrumentalist and educator, mostly known for being "a technically superb – if idiosyncratic – saxophonist." The Penguin Guide to Jazz described him as "one of the key figures" in avant-garde jazz; All About Jazz states that he has been "at the forefront of modern music" for the past 35 years. The New York Times has mentioned that he "qualifies as an iconoclast."
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

I felt that I had been influenced by being in the city enough and I wanted to go off by myself to see what was going on. I remember going out there and looking in the mirror and thinking I wasn't anything.

Roscoe Mitchell

I like to hear melodies that go from one extreme to the next- saxophone to a bell to a whistle, for instance.

Roscoe Mitchell

I don't like to box myself in when I'm composing.

Roscoe Mitchell

I just consider myself a student, trying to learn more about it.

Roscoe Mitchell

I always try to think of a vocabulary to match different musical situations.

Roscoe Mitchell

You have to know composition to be a good improviser.

Roscoe Mitchell

I'm approaching a period in my life though where I'd like to be totally absorbed into music, doing concerts, writing something. Basically, that IS what I am doing.

Roscoe Mitchell

If you listen to nature, all the sounds are done in a confident way. I'm trying to do that.

Roscoe Mitchell

I've always been interested in shaping music in odd ways, with odd riffs and that's been probably something that I've continued on with my studies with improvisation as I'm working with people.

Roscoe Mitchell

I remember times when the whole music scene was just flourishing.

Roscoe Mitchell

What I try to impart to a musician is to really try to practice the instrument in a really sincere way. Learn as much about music as you possibly can. Learn composition. Study to try to create compositions of your own and put your own personal touch ...

Roscoe Mitchell

Author Bio

  • NameRoscoe Mitchell
  • DescriptionAmerican musician
  • BornAugust 3, 1940
  • CountryUnited States Of America
  • ProfessionComposer; Oboist; Music Educator; Jazz Musician