Author

Jazz infers a style, but creative music has a wider field and wider specification about it. We know it from people like Scott Joplin and on through Bessie Smith.

From Wadada Leo Smith

When I first started, I worked with my father, Alex 'Little Bill' Wallace; he was a guitarist like B.B. King. I was around 13 when I started, and I learned a lot by looking and listening. I learned how to be a bandleader from watching that band work.

From Wadada Leo Smith

I don't set out to win awards. I don't think any musician does, but when you receive an award, it's an affirmation: it means that people appreciate what you do. Every award I have received is a confirmation of something I have done, and that motivates me to push a little harder.

From Wadada Leo Smith

I have been in dialogue with my family about what can actually be done. We've come up with this philosophy that in a truly multicultural society, the only way to have liberty and justice for everybody is to have multiple parties. And by multiple parties, I mean 50 parties, not one or two.

From Wadada Leo Smith

I think all art is, by nature, intended to motivate society for change, and the only reason change doesn't happen is because within the target population, courage is lacking.

From Wadada Leo Smith

The artist is the consciousness of society... but musicians' role is very special.

From Wadada Leo Smith

Everything and anything is valuable.

From Wadada Leo Smith

From now back to the past, we can observe clearly that none of us is free.

From Wadada Leo Smith

We have these old fashioned ideas. For instance, here in America, we talk about democracy - but we don't have a democracy. There are elements of a democracy.

From Wadada Leo Smith

I always felt of myself as a composer, performer, improviser. I've never called myself a jazz man. I make art.

From Wadada Leo Smith

Wadada Leo Smith

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