Dave Burrell: Pianist Navigating the Windward Passages

AAJ: Here's a question I always ask that's based on John Coltrane's statement that "Music is my spirituality." Do you have a spiritual orientation or practice, or an approach to life and the "big picture" that you think influences your playing?

DB: I've done meditation, attended various types of churches and Buddhist ceremonies. These days, however, I just go to the piano, and the piano's spirit and my spirit become one. I think that partly results from my experience with Nicherin Shoshu Buddhism. I recently did a concert for them, and I recited two of Monika's latest poems about Lincoln from the Civil War Project, "Ode to a Prairie Lawyer" and "Homage to the Martyr."

AAJ: You've had an incredible career and are truly a jazz master and creative force for the music. I'm sure you've had your ups, downs, and struggles as well. What would you like to tell to young gifted and creative musicians who would like to pursue a life in jazz?

DB: If you get disappointed in yourself or the system and you feel down and discouraged, just realize that that is part of the process, that all of us have had to go through that before we get to a place of security, maturity, and excellence. I learned a lot from the down times when things didn't go right. I asked myself what was I doing that I had to take responsibility for. Often, it was that I had not prepared properly. Also, you have to draw your inspiration from many places. And you must periodically back off and re-charge your batteries. At our country house in Sweden, there's hardly anyone around. The solitude keeps us very renewed, alive, and inspired.

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