Player Quotes

I was a guitar player on the streets of Asbury Park and already a member in good standing amongst those who lie in service of the truth – artists with a small A. But I held four clean aces. I had youth, almost a decade of hardcore bar band experience, a good group of homegrown musicians who were attuned to my performance style, and a story to tell.

I looked at myself, and I just said, well, you know, I can sing but I’m not the greatest singer in the world. I can play guitar very well, but I’m not the greatest guitar player in the world… And so I said, well, if I’m going to project an individuality, it’s going to have to be in my writing.

Known as a negative player, Karpov sets up deep traps and creates moves that seem to allow his opponent possibilities – but that really don’t. He takes no chances, and he gives his opponents nothing. He’s a trench-warfare fighter who keeps the game moving just an inch at a time.