Django Reinhardt, a pioneering jazz guitarist and composer, was not only known for his musical genius but also for his insightful and often poignant quotes. These quotes reflect his deep understanding of music, his passion for the guitar, and his unique perspective on life and creativity. Here are some of Django Reinhardt‘s most memorable quotes:
On Music and Guitar Playing
- “Jazz attracted me because in it I found a formal perfection and instrumental precision that I admire in classical music, but which popular music doesn’t have.”
This quote highlights Django’s appreciation for the structure and skill required in jazz, comparing it favourably to classical music while distinguishing it from popular music.
2. “I improvise about 80 percent of the time.”
Django’s music was renowned for its spontaneity and creativity, and this quote encapsulates his approach to improvisation, which was a cornerstone of his style.
3. “I play with the muscles of my thumb, which is quite muscular.”
After a tragic accident that left him with limited use of his left hand, Django developed a unique technique using his thumb and remaining fingers. This quote reflects his adaptation and resilience.
4. “My guitar is my best friend.”
Simple yet profound, this quote reveals the deep bond Django had with his instrument, underscoring the importance of the guitar in his life and career.
On Life and Creativity
5. “I’ve had my ups and downs, but I’ve learned to smile at life.”
Despite facing significant challenges, including his disabling injury, Django maintained a positive outlook on life, as this quote illustrates.
6. “You have to learn to live with your own music.”
Django believed in the importance of authenticity and personal expression in music. This quote encourages musicians to embrace and develop their unique musical voices.
7. “If I were not a musician, I would probably be dead.”
Music was more than a career for Django; it was his lifeline and passion. This quote starkly conveys how vital music was to his existence.
8. “A true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others.”
Django’s influence on other musicians was profound, and this quote captures his belief in the inspirational power of true artistry.
On Gypsy Jazz and His Legacy
9. “Jazz is the only music in which the same note can be played night after night but differently each time.”
This quote reflects the essence of jazz improvisation, emphasizing the endless possibilities for creativity within the genre.
10. “The guitar is a small orchestra. It is polyphonic. Every string is a different colour, a different voice.”
Django’s understanding of the guitar’s versatility and complexity is evident in this quote. He saw the guitar as capable of producing a wide range of sounds and emotions.
11. “When I was young, I would pick up the guitar and go off into the forest, and I would play all day, to the birds, to the trees, to myself.”
This quote evokes the image of a young Django immersed in nature and music, highlighting his deep connection to his instrument and his environment.
12. “Gypsy jazz is not a style, it’s a life.”
For Django, Gypsy jazz was more than just a musical genre; it was a way of life. This quote underscores the cultural and personal significance of Gypsy jazz to him.
On Overcoming Adversity
13. “My handicap is not a hindrance. It is a different way of expressing myself.”
Django’s ability to turn his physical limitations into a unique musical expression is encapsulated in this quote. It speaks to his resilience and creativity in the face of adversity.
14. “With four crumpled fingers, I am a musician.”
This powerful quote speaks to Django’s determination and ability to overcome the severe injury to his left hand, which would have ended many musicians’ careers but instead led him to innovate and redefine guitar playing.
15. “You have to make your own mistakes in life. That’s how you learn.”
This quote reflects Django’s belief in personal growth through experience and the importance of learning from one’s own journey.
Conclusion
Django Reinhardt’s quotes offer a window into the mind of a musical genius who overcame significant obstacles to leave an indelible mark on the world of jazz and beyond. His words reflect his passion for music, his innovative spirit, and his resilience. They continue to inspire musicians and music lovers around the world, much like his groundbreaking music. Django’s legacy lives on not only through his recordings but also through the wisdom encapsulated in his memorable quotes.