If you establish an identity, you build a monster-and thats right, youve got to live with it. Of course, you can enjoy it, too.

If you establish an identity, you build a monster-and thats right, youve got to live with it. Of course, you can enjoy it, too.

You know, when you've established a certain thing, what can you do? You're stuck with it.

Teddy Wilson, I think, said a little while ago that its much easier to come in and play whatever comes into your mind, without obeying any of the laws of bass line and harmony and so on.

The way it works: The orchestra plays a few selections of its own and I terminate the first part of the programme on piano, usually with a movement from a Mozart concerto.

Perfect retention. I dont think I could do that-Ive never disciplined myself to do it.I suppose a lot of it is a question of discipline. Which improvisation is not.

When Hank Jones had his night off, I would get somebody to take my place as intermission pianist and I'd play the show with Ella, so I would get a chance to play with Ray Brown and Charlie Smith as well.