Meaning: The quote "I cut myself off from the mainstream of jazz. It stood me in good stead later on, as a musician" by Dave Van Ronk, a musician and folk singer, reflects his experience of distancing himself from the popular trends in jazz music and how this decision ultimately benefited his musical career.

Dave Van Ronk, also known as the "Mayor of MacDougal Street," was a pivotal figure in the Greenwich Village folk music scene of the 1960s. His music career spanned several decades, and he was known for his distinctive voice, intricate guitar playing, and deep knowledge of folk and blues music.

In the quote, Van Ronk suggests that he deliberately separated himself from the mainstream or popular styles of jazz music. This decision to detach himself from the prevailing trends in jazz may have been motivated by a desire to pursue his own musical path, distinct from the commercial pressures and popular demands of the industry. By doing so, he was able to develop his own unique musical style and voice without being heavily influenced by the dominant trends in jazz at the time.

It's important to note that the mainstream of jazz during Van Ronk's formative years was characterized by the rise of bebop and post-bop styles, which were marked by complex harmonies, fast tempos, and virtuosic improvisation. These developments in jazz represented a departure from earlier traditional and swing styles, and they exerted a significant influence on the direction of the genre.

Van Ronk's decision to distance himself from the mainstream of jazz allowed him the freedom to explore other musical genres and styles, particularly folk and blues music. This exploration shaped his musical sensibilities and contributed to the development of his unique sound as a musician. By immersing himself in folk and blues traditions, Van Ronk was able to draw from a rich and diverse musical heritage, incorporating elements of storytelling, raw emotion, and social commentary into his music.

The quote also suggests that Van Ronk's decision to detach from the mainstream of jazz had long-term benefits for his musical career. By forging his own musical path and developing a distinct style, he was able to establish himself as a respected and influential musician within the folk music community. His independence from the mainstream allowed him to cultivate a devoted following of fans who appreciated his authentic and deeply personal approach to music.

Furthermore, Van Ronk's immersion in folk and blues music enabled him to become a custodian of these traditions, preserving and reinterpreting songs from the folk and blues repertoire. His commitment to these musical roots contributed to the revival and popularization of folk music during the 1960s, as well as the broader cultural and social movements of the era.

In conclusion, Dave Van Ronk's quote about cutting himself off from the mainstream of jazz reflects his deliberate choice to distance himself from prevailing trends in order to cultivate his own musical identity. This decision allowed him to explore other musical genres, develop a unique style, and ultimately establish himself as a respected figure in the folk music community. His experience serves as a testament to the importance of artistic independence and the value of pursuing one's creative vision, even if it means diverging from the mainstream.