I grew up in a farm town in Indiana. In the early years I played by myself, because there were no other musicians around.

I've made more than 50 records with a wide range of music. I've often veered to check something out.

Improvising musicians are musical travelers, voyagers. There is a freedom to wander the musical landscape.

There are a few things that I will hopefully be credited for as a pioneer. One is my four-mallet playing. Another one is the starting what was first called jazz rock in 1967 when I started my first band, later became jazz fusion by the 1970s.

I've discovered all kinds of music and done all kinds of music over the past 40 years, from playing tango with Piazzolla to all the different bands I've had.

I was a big fan of Jim Hall as well. I liked his comping style, his accompanying. And that he played, generally, four note chords, the top four strings of the guitar.

It hasn't been hard getting nominated, but winning it is another thing. The competition is tough.