Quite frankly, I've always listened to the black side of the radio dial. Where I grew up, there was a lot of it and there was a lot of live music around.

I was a guitar player first off.

I feel fortunate that I was able to step away from it when I wasn't interested.

As far as other instrumentalists, I used to love mellow sax players like Paul Desmond. I love piano.

I listened to classical guitar and Spanish guitar, as well as jazz guitar players, rock and roll and blues. All of it. I did the same thing with my voice.

I really just followed my musical instincts every step of my life.

I love working with the quartet. I have more freedom and flexibility.