This quote makes me think of the whole concept of silence in music and how, more often than not, musicians don’t try to respect and utilize silence, both in their playing and in their writing.
When I first began singing, I thought the best approach was to sing everything, filling in all the gaps with my voice, attempting characteristic R&B runs that were almost melismatic in nature because that’s what the “Pop Divas” at the time were doing. However, as time passed, I started realizing (because of listening to musicians like Miles Davis, Billie Holiday, and my own personal musical preference) that it was more interesting to be silent in some musical situations. What am I implying by not singing here when the audience thinks I should? What message am I trying to send or what tone am I trying to set by singing a certain note or word in a different place than the ear wants to hear, and what happens when the ear experiences silence in that previously occupied musical space?
Some musicians don’t fully grasp the concept of silence–knowing when and when not to play–and try to fill in as much musical thought as they can within a small space. They don’t really let silence have its space (so to speak). This reminds me of another quote by the Brazilian musician, Joao Gilberto: “Näo se pose machucar o silêncio que é sagrado (You must not injure silence for it is sacred).” Respecting lack of sound (silence) and its place in different musical situations can then allow you to experiment with it, manipulating its effect. This a valuable tool for singers to be able to utilize and those who do it well can deliver poignant and interesting performances.
Knowing what not to play and when not to play (utilizing silence) is something that takes years to master. I hear musicians, both young and old, say all the time that they should’ve played a different chord or note, and I, myself, have thought why did I sing in that spot? I shouldn’t have sang or said anything. Music and creating music is a constant process. Through trial and error, in different musical situations, we discover what sounds or feels good to us and what notes we should or shouldn’t play. And when we should stay silent.