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'.

My music is evidence of my souls will to live.

Most customers, by the time the musicians reach the second set, are to some extent inebriated. They don't care what you play anyway.

Let my children have music! Let them hear live music.

Jazz is the language of the emotions.

I never heard my music played the way I heard it in my head.

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