I confess that I listen to my own music for my own pleasure.
There's something interesting about playing live; you're in the moment, and I think it would be beneficial.
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.
The trumpet was not a lyrical singing instrument.
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.