I was blessed to work with The Jazz Messengers when the two piano players were Keith Jarrett and Chick Corea.

I made many studio albums and I think the danger of studio recording is that if you do not watch out, you come out with a perfectly sterile performance.

To do it always right, that is what music is to me.

Brazilian music has many of the ingredients that I strive for in my own music: Strong melodies and a disciplined but intense rhythmic concept, and interesting harmonies.

There's not much in the way of written-down arrangements - just things that Gerry and I have worked out, from playing spontaneously together and hanging on to whatever seems to fall in right.

I write music people enjoy playing and listening to, and I have a group that loves playing the music.

My music has always been strong in melodic content.