McCoy Tyner Quotes

#1. 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

#2. 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

#3. 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

#4. I think it was a natural step to start recording my own music.

McCoy Tyner

#5. 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

#6. 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

#7. I try not to look back too much, but sometimes it's nice to reflect.

McCoy Tyner

#8. I'll just try to keep my mind open to whatever comes my way.

McCoy Tyner

#9. I really do enjoy accompanying people - it's a challenge and a joy when you get it right.

McCoy Tyner

#10. Jazz is not gonna be a dinosaur and stay around in one form.

McCoy Tyner

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

McCoy Tyner

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

McCoy Tyner

#13. The piano is like an orchestra - I'm very fortunate that I chose it as my instrument.

McCoy Tyner

#14. 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

#15. I try to play what comes naturally at the moment and let it happen.

McCoy Tyner

#16. 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