McCoy Tyner Quotes & Sayings

I think it was a natural step to start recording my own music. — McCoy Tyner

To me living and music are all the same thing. And I keep finding out more about music as I learn more about myself, my environment, about all kinds of different things in life. I play what I live. Therefore, just as I can't predict what kinds of experiences I'm going to have, I can't predict the directions in which my music will go. I just want to write and play my instrument as I feel. — McCoy Tyner

With all the travelling and performing I've been doing, it's hard to find time to practice! But seriously, I probably did most of my practicing when I was younger. — McCoy Tyner

I try not to look back too much, but sometimes it's nice to reflect. — McCoy Tyner

I really love the piano and I feel very fortunate that I am able to play and travel all over the world as my career. — McCoy Tyner

Playing solo is difficult because you have to keep the momentum yourself. You have to continue to create and develop, so it forces you to stretch in a variety of ways. — McCoy Tyner

Every performance is different, but I try to approach them in the same way and give it my all. — McCoy Tyner

My mother gave me a choice. She said, 'Would you like to take singing lessons or piano.' I'm glad I chose piano. — McCoy Tyner

You have to listen to what someone is doing and help them get to where they want to go, musically speaking. I play a supporting role if someone else is soloing, and a guitarist will do the same for me while I am soloing. — McCoy Tyner

I try to play what comes naturally at the moment and let it happen. — McCoy Tyner

I'll just try to keep my mind open to whatever comes my way. — McCoy Tyner

When a man's faith is never tried, I don't think he'll ever learn anything. You have to have trial and tribulation, or what are you going to learn? — McCoy Tyner

Sometimes it's nice to try different instruments because they have a different sound to offer and therefore your approach changes a little bit. But, I always come back to the piano. — McCoy Tyner

I remember coming home from school - I couldn't wait to get to the piano so I could play and practice. — McCoy Tyner

Jazz is not gonna be a dinosaur and stay around in one form. — McCoy Tyner

The piano is like an orchestra - I'm very fortunate that I chose it as my instrument. — McCoy Tyner

I really do enjoy accompanying people - it's a challenge and a joy when you get it right. — McCoy Tyner