My goal was never to sell many records.

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

I have been recording for five decades now.

Not compromising the music, but there is a way, by just showing the people that you're sincere and honest with what you're doing, and by talking to them.

Not with the Rochester Philharmonic, but I formed my own orchestra, made up of musicians from the Eastman School, where I'm on the faculty now, direct the Jazz Ensemble and teach improvisation classes.

I tend to not want to put labels or categories on the music, only because people come with preconceived ideas about what they're going to hear, or won't come for this reason.

In 1994, I started touring again and I recorded two albums for Chesky Jazz.