Labels don't mean anything to me. I'm trying to play as passionately as I'm able to. If they want to call that cool, that's fine. Just spell the name right, is the formula.

In this quote, Lee Konitz, a legendary jazz saxophonist, expresses his indifference toward being defined by labels or categories in the music industry. He rejects the idea that a specific label, such as "cool" or "avant-garde," should dictate how his music is perceived. Instead, Konitz focuses on playing with passion and authenticity, emphasizing that his primary goal is to express himself through music rather than fitting into predefined genres or expectations.

The phrase "Just spell the name right" carries a sense of confidence and humility. Konitz is suggesting that the most important thing is the recognition of his identity as an artist—accurately acknowledging who he is—rather than getting caught up in the superficial labels or classifications that others may impose. This reflects a desire for his work to be appreciated for its artistry rather than its alignment with a specific trend or style.

Konitz’s comment about playing "as passionately as I’m able to" highlights his belief that the true measure of an artist’s worth lies in the emotion and expression they bring to their craft, not in how they are labeled or categorized by others. His approach to music is rooted in sincerity and a deep commitment to his craft, which transcends trends or popular definitions of "cool."

Ultimately, this quote underscores Konitz’s emphasis on artistic integrity and the idea that passion and authenticity are far more important than any external labels. His work is defined by his own dedication to music, and he encourages others to focus on the quality of the art rather than the labels that might be attached to it.