My solo playing utilizes the deployment of suggestive psychic rhythms. I'll state these throughout a given piece and play thematic improvisations on top of that. I like to suggest that rhythmic movement without always playing it. I like to create openings that I can step into.

Wadada Leo Smith

Always Create Deployment Given I Can Like Movement Openings Piece Play Playing Psychic Rhythmic Rhythms Solo State Step Suggest Throughout Top Without

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When you live in the South, you're constantly part of the civil rights movement.

— Wadada Leo Smith

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I write all the time. I always have. I can pick up my horn to warm up, and an idea will pop into my head, and I'll write it down and file it away for another time.

— Wadada Leo Smith

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I'm an optimist. I have always been, and I will continue to be. So I believe there's always a possibility of transforming or changing or doing something different.

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

— Wadada Leo Smith

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All art is political. Yes. Even the stuff that sounds like bubble-gum songs. 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.

— Wadada Leo Smith

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