I'm always looking to create new avenues or new visions of music.

Jazz translates the moment into a sense of inspiration for not only the musicians but for the listeners.

My first Grammy wasn't even in a jazz category, but of course I was really excited. 'Rockit' was the beginning of kind of a new era for the whole hip-hop movement.

The arts have always served relationships between people of different cultures so well. In a way, the arts function as a very serious kind of ambassador.

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

Getting the Oscar had the biggest impression on me.

I started off with classical music, and I got into jazz when I was about 14 years old. And I've been playing jazz ever since.