53 Quotes by Stan Getz

If you like an instrument that sings, play the saxophone. At its best it’s like the human voice.

I came from an era when we didn’t use electronic instruments. The bass wasn’t even amplified. The sound was the sound you got.

I had a 10-year heroin habit and kicked that. Then I became an alcoholic. I drank two fifth’s a day.

When I’m alcohol-free now and even to see the world around me, I appreciate it, but I never truly enjoy too much of it maybe because I feel like I’m a working musician. There are some joyous moments, but I will not think a joyous moment.

You don’t rehearse jazz to death to get the camera angles.

People think that I play effortlessly. I remember doing a record date with Bill Evans and afterwards he said to me, you make it sound so easy but when I get right up next to you you’re working hard and making it sound easy!

I’ve always regretted the fact that I’ve never formally studied and learned the mechanics of writing music.

Hearing myself so much all the time, I don’t think I sound that special all the time because it’s me.