One thing that sticks in my mind is that jazz means freedom and openness. It's a music that, although it developed out of the African American experience, speaks more about the human experience than the experience of a particular people.

In the world of Art there are no wrong choices.

The true artform is being a human being.

The music becomes something that is its own entity.

When a human being is oppressed, the natural tendency is to feel anger. Jazz is a response to oppression that is not bullets and blood. Jazz is the expression of harmony ... and at the same time of hope and freedom.

The thing that we possess, that machines don't, is the ability to exhibit wisdom.

Creativity and artistic endeavors have a mission that goes far beyond just making music for the sake of music.