Whether it's string writing or whatever, I try to write for what each instrumentalist can do best.

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.

I find it very difficult to compose when I'm not playing.

A studio recording is perfection, but emotion and passion come only when you turn on the machine and go for the groove. If you do that with no mistakes, it sounds beautiful.

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

As for the symphonic activities... when I was a student at the Eastman School of Music, I became exposed to a lot more musical forms, elements, opportunities, and I fell in love with strings and their uses.

I can count on one hand the number of instrumental hits there have been over the last 10 years.