Herbie Mann Quotes

For me Brazilian music is the perfect mix of melody and rhythm. It just bubbles rhythmically. If I had to pick just one music style to play if would be Brazilian.
Herbie Mann

I loved the Brazilian music I played. But this is finally me. For the first time I think it's really me.
Herbie Mann

I was raised in Brooklyn, and I lived there for 59 years.
Herbie Mann

If you want to play somebody's music, you'd better go into his house.
Herbie Mann

Music allows the great opportunity to play with people who turned you on and you love.
Herbie Mann

My father's father came from Russia; my mother came from Romania.
Herbie Mann

My youngest son, who is now the drummer in my band, lives in Brooklyn. My oldest son is about to move out to California, and my daughters are both out of town.
Herbie Mann

One of the advantages of not having a record contract is that you can make your own mistakes, you don't need somebody else to organize them for you.
Herbie Mann

The music we're playing now is based on my heritage, which is Russian, Romanian and Hungarian.
Herbie Mann

To most jazz critics I was basically Kenny G.
Herbie Mann

What I try to do is produce an atmosphere where musicians want to invest in what they do and give to the recording. I hire those musicians who I know will play something creative and interesting.
Herbie Mann

Why do you have to retire at 65? Why can't you start at 70? You know, like wine. Why can't music be that way? My new band, we're playing stuff that's never been done before.
Herbie Mann

You don't have to live the blues to play the blues.
Herbie Mann