Meaning: This quote by Mose Allison, a renowned American jazz and blues pianist, singer, and songwriter, reflects his deep connection to and experience with the evolution of jazz music. In this quote, Allison reminisces about his journey through different eras of jazz, highlighting the impact of influential musicians and the evolution of jazz styles on his own musical development.

Mose Allison's reference to "the whole number" alludes to his extensive and diverse exposure to various periods in the history of jazz music. He mentions the swing era, the boogie-woogie era, and the bebop era, all of which represent significant phases in the development of jazz. Each of these eras brought forth distinct styles, innovations, and influential figures that shaped the course of jazz music.

The swing era, which emerged in the 1930s and 1940s, was characterized by its infectious, danceable rhythms and big band orchestration. It brought to the forefront legendary bandleaders such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Benny Goodman, who significantly contributed to the popularization and evolution of jazz during this period.

The boogie-woogie era, with its lively and energetic piano-driven style, gained prominence in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Pioneered by artists like Meade "Lux" Lewis, Albert Ammons, and Pete Johnson, boogie-woogie left a lasting impact on the development of piano-based jazz and influenced a generation of musicians, including Mose Allison.

The bebop era, which emerged in the 1940s, marked a significant shift in jazz, characterized by complex harmonies, improvisation, and virtuosic instrumental performances. Innovators such as Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Thelonious Monk were central figures in the development of bebop, pushing the boundaries of jazz and redefining the art form.

Thelonious Monk, mentioned by Allison as one of his favorites, was a pioneering figure in the bebop and post-bop movements. His distinctive approach to composition and improvisation, characterized by angular melodies and dissonant harmonies, continues to influence jazz musicians to this day. Monk's unorthodox piano style and innovative compositions have left an indelible mark on the jazz landscape, and it is clear that his work had a profound impact on Allison's musical sensibilities.

Throughout his career, Mose Allison assimilated elements from these diverse jazz eras, incorporating swing, boogie-woogie, and bebop influences into his own unique style. His ability to draw inspiration from a wide range of jazz traditions and incorporate them into his music is a testament to his deep understanding of the genre's evolution.

In conclusion, Mose Allison's quote encapsulates his rich and varied experiences within the jazz landscape, spanning multiple eras and drawing inspiration from influential figures such as Thelonious Monk. His musical journey reflects the dynamic evolution of jazz, where each era and its respective innovators contributed to shaping the genre and influencing subsequent generations of musicians, including Mose Allison himself.