Jim Hall on technique vs. ideas

Now, A Jazz Moment...

NEA Jazz Master Jim Hall is one of the world's most revered guitarists. A master of improvisation, his lines are sparse, but lyrical, without any unnecessary flourishes.

Jim Hall: What seems kind of frivolous and doesn't really impress me is people who have amazing technique, but everything sounds worked out. They sort of go through these chord changes with all these chops and stuff. Usually I feel like I wish I had that kind of technique to do that and then not do it.

MUSIC: "Skylark" CD: Magic Meeting, ArtistShare 0002 (cut 3)

Jim Hall: And again, it's never over. For instance, the guitar is sitting there frowning at me now.

MUSIC: same - up and fades under

This Jazz Moment with guitarist Jim Hall was created by the National Endowment for the Arts