Repetitiveness by Jazz musicians

[Ted O'Reilly]

I believe there is a big difference between playing a phrase over and over on purpose to build tension or create a mood, compared 

to having favorite comfortable phrases and / or licks used in numerous different solos.

Agree with Peter here...  I think of Abdullah Ibrahim (as Dollar Brand then) in a trio version turning the dross of "Shrimp Boats" into fine-spun gold.