Meaning: This quote by musician Bill Dixon reflects the frustration and defiance of an artist who feels that their work is being undervalued or dismissed by critics or detractors. Dixon's statement suggests that the proof of the quality of his work lies in the experience of the listener, and he challenges those who criticize or underestimate his music to simply listen and judge for themselves.

Bill Dixon was a prominent figure in the world of avant-garde jazz and experimental music. As a composer, trumpeter, and educator, Dixon made significant contributions to the development of free jazz and improvised music. His work often pushed the boundaries of traditional musical forms and structures, incorporating elements of abstraction, improvisation, and unconventional instrumentation.

In the quote, Dixon is expressing his frustration with individuals or groups who have attempted to diminish the value or merit of his musical recordings. He is confident in the quality of his work and believes that anyone who takes the time to listen to the recording will recognize its beauty and artistic merit. This assertion is a bold and direct challenge to those who seek to undermine or disparage his creative output.

The quote also reflects the broader issue of artistic validation and the subjectivity of artistic judgment. Dixon's insistence that "interested listeners have only to hear the recording" implies that the true value of his work can only be fully appreciated through the act of listening. He suggests that the opinions of critics or detractors are ultimately irrelevant in the face of the direct experience of the music itself.

This sentiment speaks to the tension between artistic integrity and external validation. Many artists grapple with the challenge of creating work that is personally meaningful and artistically authentic while also seeking recognition and validation from audiences, critics, and the broader artistic community. Dixon's statement can be seen as a defiant assertion of the intrinsic value of his artistic expression, irrespective of external judgments or opinions.

Furthermore, the quote raises questions about the nature of criticism and the role of the listener or audience in evaluating artistic works. Dixon's challenge to "find out if those guys...are right" suggests a belief in the authority of the listener's experience as the ultimate arbiter of the music's quality. In this view, the act of listening becomes a form of critical engagement that transcends the influence of external opinions or preconceptions.

In conclusion, Bill Dixon's quote encapsulates the frustration and defiance of an artist who believes in the intrinsic beauty and value of his work. It speaks to the enduring tension between artistic integrity and external validation, and it challenges the authority of critics and detractors by placing the ultimate judgment in the hands of the listener. Ultimately, Dixon's words serve as a powerful assertion of the transformative and subjective power of music, inviting all who encounter his work to engage with it directly and form their own conclusions.