Living the Romantic Comedy: Dig It to Dig It

Fifty-two years ago, legendary master pianist-composer Thelonious Monk gave some advice to saxophonist Steve Lacy, and Lacy wrote it down.

As a zen-like guide for writers, artists, and humans of any sort, including, of course, musicians, I don't think it leaves much out. Though what's missing (always leave them wanting more) is also priceless.

I recommend putting on some Monk and copying it out, as I've done here. You've got to dig it to dig it.

MONK'S ADVICE (1960)

Just because you're not a drummer, doesn't mean you don't have to keep time.

Pat your foot and sing the melody in your head, when you play.

Stop playing all that bullshit, those weird notes, play the melody!

Make the drummer sound good.

Discrimination is important.

You've got to dig it to dig it, you dig?

All reet! Always know...

It must be always night, otherwise they wouldn't need the lights.

Let's lift the bandstand!

I want to avoid the hecklers.

Don't play the piano part, I'm playing that. Don't listen to me, I'm supposed to be accompanying you!

The inside of the tune (the bridge) is the part that makes the outside sound good.

Don't play everything (or every time); let some things go by. Some music just imagined. What you don't play can't be more important than what you do play.

Always leave them wanting more.

A note can be as small as a pin, or as big as the world, it depends on your imagination.

Stay in shape! Sometimes a musician waits for a gig, and when it comes, he's out of shape and can't make it.

When you're swinging, swing some more! (What should we wear tonight? Sharp as possible!)

Don't sound anybody for a gig, just be on the scene.

Those pieces were written so as to have something to play, and to get cats interested enough to come to rehearsal.

You've got it! If you don't want to play, tell a joke or dance, but in any case, you got it! (To a drummer who didn't want to solo.)

Whatever you think can't be done, somebody will come along and do it. A genius is the one most like himself.

They tried to get me to hate white people, but someone would always come along and spoil it.

Comments

Genius as always, Billy. I'll always dig you. You are the epitome of cool. TRUE, I am just a hick from Bonney Lake, BUT I do dig the diggin'. And I'm diggin' you!

Posted by: E.C. Henry | March 05, 2012 at 12:38 AM