Aaron Diehl Quotes, born September 22, 1985, in Columbus, Ohio, is an American jazz pianist and composer whose layered artistry blends jazz and classical traditions. A Juilliard graduate, he won the American Pianists Association’s 2011 Cole Porter Fellowship and earned a Grammy nomination for his 2023 album Zodiac Suite, a reimagining of Mary Lou Williams’ work. Mentored by Wynton Marsalis and influenced by predecessors like Ahmad Jamal and Erroll Garner, Diehl has performed at venues from Jazz at Lincoln Center to the Philharmonie de Paris. His albums, including The Bespoke Man’s Narrative (2013) and The Vagabond (2020), showcase his innovative approach.
These 15 quotes—sourced from interviews, public statements, and inspired by his musical ethos—reflect his insights on jazz, creativity, and cultural heritage, capturing his introspective, dynamic spirit.
15 Aaron Diehl Quotes
- “My grandfather, Arthur Baskerville, he played and still plays a little bit piano and trombone, and so when I was a kid, I always heard jazz around the house, but I also went to his gigs.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “There’s a huge part of me that’s thinking about perfection. I have to fight that urge, to try to live in the moment, reach for something that I might be hearing, and not second-guess myself.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “I had experiences or exposure to music in church. I went to a church, it was very unique. It was a predominantly African American Catholic church.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “A lot of times, we look at jazz in eras. How can we not keep those eras separate and think of the language as one complete continuum? It’s all interrelated, and it’s all evolutionary.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “I consider myself very fortunate. I mean, I think there’s that old saying, ‘Where there’s a will, there’s a way,’ and I just have such a passion for jazz music and playing the piano.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “When I see young people interested in music. I always look out for that passion in their eyes. You never know where that might lead.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “I’m not saying that in order to be a great jazz musician you have to be a great classical pianist first. But I am saying that it makes things easier when you can get around the instrument.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “I really want to bring ensemble playing back to the forefront—not just for me, but for everyone in jazz.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “I think where the interest lies is not in the specifics of which language we’re drawing from, but it’s how we connect things.” (Stereogum, 2023)
- “Jazz is a conversation, not just with the musicians on stage, but with the history and culture it carries.” (Inspired by The Bespoke Man’s Narrative, 2013)
- “The piano becomes more than an instrument—it’s a vessel for telling stories across time.” (Inspired by Zodiac Suite, 2023)
- “Every note I play is a nod to those who came before, from Jelly Roll Morton to Mary Lou Williams.” (Inspired by The Vagabond, 2020)
- “Music thrives when we let it breathe, allowing space for improvisation and discovery.” (Inspired by Live at the Players, 2010)
- “The beauty of jazz lies in its ability to evolve while staying rooted in its soul.” (Inspired by Space Time Continuum, 2015)
- “To create is to listen—not just to the music, but to the world around you.” (Inspired by Stereogum Interview, 2023)
Aaron Diehl’s quotes resonate with passion for jazz, a reverence for its history, and a call to create with curiosity and connection, inspiring us to embrace music’s evolving spirit. Which quote strikes a chord with your love for creativity? Drop it in the comments and keep Diehl’s vibrant legacy thriving!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
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