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

I like to listen to classical music... I like mainline jazz.

I was taken in by the bravado and the sounds of Mexico... not so much the music, but the spirit.

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.

Clifford Brown was in the jazz circles considered to be probably the greatest trumpet player who ever lived.

The reaction to this album has just been fabulous around the world... and I've had offers to perform from around the world and I'm tempted to do it. I've got itchy lips.

I find that it's nice to work with somebody and spin off on someone else's feelings. You get a little jaded by yourself.