Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity.

It (jazz) isn't like it used to be. The guys aren't together. They're all separated. Individuals now. Bird was a symbol. It was a clique, a clique of people. Who all believed in one thing: gettin' high. And playin'.

I always wanted to be a spontaneous composer.

If you think this is weird, just look at yourselves.

In high school I was on the basketball team, but the coach did something I didn't dig and the next day he looked up and saw me practising with the football team.

Tastes are created by the business interests. How else can you explain the popularity of Al Hirt?

I'm trying to play the truth of what I am. The reason it's difficult is because I'm changing all the time.