The worst thing about the life of a jazz musician on the road is getting to the gig. Once you're there and playing, it's marvelous.

I'm always hoping for the nights that are inspired where you almost have an out of body experience

It's like a whole orchestra, the piano for me. And also it's to me the greatest instrument. I shouldn't say that, but I believe that this is the only instrument I can really feel happy about playing.

I was always very aware of drummers. My oldest brother Henry was a drummer, and he drummed on everything in the house from the kitchen sink to stovepipes. He was the first drummer in the Gil Evans Orchestra, so you've got to know how great he was.

When you hear Bach or Mozart, you hear perfection. Remember that Bach, Mozart and Beethoven were great improvisers. I can hear that in their music.

I had the first integrated Army band in World War II.

I prefer no one to teach me. I prefer to swing on my own.