In short, [Coltrane's] tone is beautiful because it is functional. In other words, it is always involved in saying something. You can't separate the means that a man uses to say something from what he ultimately says. Technique is not separated from its content in a great artist.

I discovered very early that it wasn't quite enough for me to imitate people.

Improvisation is the ability to talk to oneself.

You must surrender whatever preconceptions you have about music if you're really interested in it.

Doesn't that fool know I recorded that song because I like it?

To feel is perhaps the most terrifying thing in this society.

Rhythm is the life of space of time danced through.