Meaning: This quote by musician Robert Quine reflects his personal journey as a musician and his evolution through different genres of music. Quine was a highly influential guitarist known for his work with various bands and artists, including Richard Hell and the Voidoids, Lou Reed, and Matthew Sweet. His statement about moving from the blues to jazz indicates a significant shift in his musical interests and influences.

Quine's mention of "exhausting the blues thing" suggests that he reached a point where he felt he had fully explored and expressed himself within the blues genre. The blues is a foundational genre in the history of American popular music, characterized by its emotive vocal expression and often melancholic themes. Many guitarists, including Quine, have been drawn to the blues for its raw and deeply expressive qualities. However, for Quine, it seems that his exploration of the blues had reached a natural conclusion, leading him to seek new musical avenues for creative expression.

The transition from blues to jazz is a significant one, as jazz represents a different set of musical challenges and opportunities for improvisation and technical mastery. Jazz is known for its complex harmonies, intricate rhythms, and emphasis on improvisation, making it a genre that demands a high level of skill and musical understanding. Quine's move into jazz indicates a desire to further expand his musical vocabulary and explore new artistic possibilities.

It's worth noting that Quine's shift from blues to jazz reflects a common trajectory for many musicians. The blues and jazz are deeply interconnected genres, with jazz often building upon the emotional intensity and musical structures of the blues. Many musicians who have delved into the blues eventually find themselves drawn to the complexities and nuances of jazz, seeing it as a natural progression in their musical development.

Quine's statement also speaks to the idea of artistic growth and evolution. As musicians develop their skills and explore different genres, they often experience periods of transition and transformation. The process of "exhausting" one style or genre can be a natural part of this evolution, as artists seek to push their creative boundaries and avoid stagnation. Quine's willingness to embrace new musical challenges and immerse himself in jazz demonstrates a commitment to artistic growth and a refusal to remain static in his musical pursuits.

Overall, Robert Quine's quote about moving from the blues to jazz provides insight into his personal musical journey and the ongoing process of artistic exploration and evolution. It sheds light on the ways in which musicians seek to expand their creative horizons, and the significance of embracing new musical influences and challenges. Quine's legacy as a versatile and innovative guitarist is further illuminated by his willingness to venture into new musical territory, demonstrating the enduring power of artistic curiosity and growth.