Meaning: The quote "I play patterns. I'll make up a pattern and just play it." by Richard Manuel, a musician known for his work with The Band, reflects his approach to music and his creative process. Richard Manuel was a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter, and his words shed light on his improvisational style and the importance of patterns in his musical expression.

In the context of music, playing patterns can refer to the use of melodic, rhythmic, or harmonic sequences that are repeated or varied throughout a musical piece. For many musicians, patterns serve as the building blocks of their compositions and improvisations. By making up a pattern and playing it, Manuel reveals a glimpse of his artistic method, which likely involved experimentation, spontaneity, and a focus on musical structures and motifs.

Musical patterns can take various forms, from simple repetitive sequences to complex, interwoven motifs that create a sense of unity and coherence in a piece of music. They can be found in melodies, chord progressions, rhythmic motifs, and other musical elements. In the hands of a skilled musician like Richard Manuel, playing patterns becomes a means of expressing creativity, exploring musical ideas, and engaging in improvisation.

Manuel's approach to playing patterns aligns with the broader tradition of improvisation in music, a practice that has been central to various musical genres, including jazz, blues, and rock. Improvisation allows musicians to spontaneously create and develop musical ideas in real time, often drawing on familiar patterns and motifs as starting points for their improvisatory explorations. In this context, patterns serve as a springboard for musical invention, enabling musicians to weave together familiar elements in new and unexpected ways.

Moreover, Manuel's emphasis on making up patterns suggests a willingness to embrace experimentation and playfulness in his music-making. By creating and playing his own patterns, he likely sought to infuse his performances and compositions with a sense of spontaneity and personal expression. This approach can be seen as a departure from more rigid forms of musical composition, instead prioritizing the immediate and intuitive aspects of musical creation.

In addition, the quote reflects the significance of patterns as a fundamental element of musical structure and organization. Patterns provide a sense of order and predictability within music, allowing listeners to follow and engage with the music on both a cognitive and emotional level. Moreover, patterns can create a sense of continuity and unity within a musical piece, contributing to its overall coherence and impact.

Overall, Richard Manuel's quote "I play patterns. I'll make up a pattern and just play it." offers insight into his musical mindset and approach to creativity. It highlights the role of patterns as foundational elements in music, as well as the importance of improvisation, experimentation, and personal expression in musical performance and composition. Manuel's words serve as a reminder of the rich and diverse ways in which musicians engage with patterns and motifs in their artistic pursuits, shaping the sounds and experiences that resonate with audiences around the world.