Arts is like the power of now. When you're performing, when you're playing, when you're sculpting, painting, it's that moment. I'm in the moment of my life, and that's what I love to do.

The Japanese seem to be a loyal audience.

I think President Obama really does get the value of the arts.

You can have a great lyric and a so-so melody; it's going to be a tough sell.

I confess that I listen to my own music for my own pleasure.

Arts is like the power of now. When you're performing, when you're playing, when you're sculpting, painting, it's that moment. I'm in the moment of my life, and that's what I love to do.

I think jazz is a phenomenal creative force, because it's one man, one vote as you're playing, but it's a collective thing, what you're doing. You're listening to all the musicians around you and you're working within that structure.