Jazz is not about getting and playing whatever notes you want. It is about reworking themes in a manner that sounds good, that can be followed by the other musicians and that the audience enjoys. You cannot do that without first acquiring skills.
                                                                                    
                                        
                                        
                                        
                                        
                                                                                
                                            
                                                
                                                    
                                                        Interview with Joel Kurtzman, www.strategy-business.com. October 1, 1996.