Tom Piazza Quotes (6 Quotes)

I don't see how there could be any future for New Orleans without music.

Does Piazza feel jazz is an acquired taste If by 'acquired taste' you mean that jazz resists immediate enjoyment, I'm not sure I agree, ... But an active understanding of the ways in which the musicians make sense together, as opposed to a more passive way of enjoying the music, does take time to acquire, and I hope Understanding Jazz will give its readers insights that will make the music come alive for them in all its depth and excitement, which is intellectual as well as sensual, reflective as well as driving and exciting.

Writer Tom Piazza was born on Long Island but now calls New Orleans home. New Orleans has a personality unlike any other city, ... It has its own architecture, its own vegetation, its own smells and cuisine, and, obviously, its own music--many types of its own music. It is relaxed, and a high percentage of the population knows the value of a good meal, a good laugh, some cold beer and crawfish, and a good band. These are highly conducive to the production of good fiction, too.

It's a core element of the city's identity. It's a part of everything in New Orleans. It's not just entertainment - it's part of the way people conceive of life.

I want readers to come away from the new book with an appreciation both for how complex jazz is, and yet how clear its structures are, ... And I want them to come away knocked out by the brilliance and soul and wit and profundity of the performances on the CD, able to appreciate more of what went into them, and hungry to hear more, to explore this fantastic music.

I lost all my income for the fall because I was supposed to be teaching at Loyola (University) and I also do regular lectures on jazz in New Orleans, ... A number of friends helped me set all this up. ... It's been very moving - the degree of their concern.