Meaning: This quote by Dave Brubeck, a renowned American jazz pianist and composer, captures the essence of creative risk-taking and the willingness to embrace uncertainty in the pursuit of innovation. Brubeck's words reflect his approach to music and his philosophy on the creative process, emphasizing the importance of stepping outside one's comfort zone and venturing into uncharted territory to achieve artistic breakthroughs.

In the first part of the quote, Brubeck acknowledges the existence of different approaches to creativity. He mentions "playing safe" and "using tricks" as contrasting methods to the way he prefers to play. This distinction highlights the spectrum of attitudes and strategies that individuals can adopt when engaging in creative endeavors. "Playing safe" suggests a cautious and conservative approach, characterized by adherence to familiar techniques and a reluctance to take risks. On the other hand, "using tricks" may refer to employing established formulas or shortcuts to achieve desired outcomes without venturing into unfamiliar territory.

Brubeck's rejection of these safer and more conventional approaches in favor of a more daring and adventurous mindset is encapsulated in the latter part of the quote. He advocates for a style of play that is "dangerously" bold, where the artist is willing to embrace the possibility of making mistakes in pursuit of creating something entirely new and original. This emphasis on embracing risk and uncertainty as integral parts of the creative process underscores the notion that genuine innovation often requires a willingness to depart from the known and explore uncharted creative territories.

By expressing a preference for a "dangerous" approach to creativity, Brubeck champions the idea that taking risks and venturing beyond one's comfort zone is essential for artistic growth and the realization of true creative potential. His words resonate with the idea that breakthroughs in art and music often emerge from moments of experimentation, improvisation, and the willingness to challenge established norms and conventions.

Dave Brubeck's own musical career exemplifies his commitment to pushing creative boundaries and taking artistic risks. As a leading figure in the development of modern jazz, Brubeck was known for his innovative approach to rhythm, harmony, and improvisation, challenging traditional jazz conventions and exploring new musical frontiers. His groundbreaking compositions, such as "Take Five" and "Blue Rondo à la Turk," showcased his willingness to defy conventions and incorporate diverse influences into his music, ultimately reshaping the landscape of jazz and inspiring generations of musicians to embrace creative risk-taking.

In conclusion, Dave Brubeck's quote encapsulates the spirit of adventurous creativity and the willingness to take risks in pursuit of artistic innovation. His advocacy for a "dangerous" approach to creativity serves as a reminder that true artistic breakthroughs often arise from a willingness to venture into uncharted territory, embrace uncertainty, and take bold creative leaps. By encouraging artists to eschew safety and conventional tricks in favor of daring exploration, Brubeck's words resonate as a powerful affirmation of the transformative potential of creative risk-taking in the pursuit of creating something truly original and groundbreaking.