I don't mind being classified as a jazz artist, but I do mind being restricted to being a jazz artist. My foundation has been in jazz, though I didn't really start out that way. I started in classical music, but my formative years were in jazz, and it makes a great foundation.

The true artform is being a human being.

Inspiration is constantly in the air. It's up to us to develop the sensitivity to pick up on it.

I try stuff. I synthesize what's of value with some of the other things I have at my disposal.

Forget about trying to compete with someone else. Create your own pathway. Create your own new vision.

Oscar Peterson is the greatest living influence on jazz pianists today.

One of the greatest experiences I ever had was listening to a conversation with Joni Mitchell and Wayne Shorter. Just to hear them talking, my mouth was open. They understand each other perfectly, and they make these leaps and jumps because they don't have to explain anything.