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.

The music becomes something that is its own entity.

Since time is a continuum, the moment is always different, so the music is always different.

The most valuable things in life are priceless. They are courage, compassion, wisdom, respect for ourselves and others, and a host of characteristics that we call the beauty of the human spirit.

I don't think there are any pure Africans of the African Americans, but the African part of our history was pretty much taken away from us during slavery, so the 60s gave us a chance, because of the civil rights movement, to kind of re-examine and make some sort of formal connection to our African-ness.

It's part of my nature. I get excited when trying out new stuff, whether it be an idea or equipment. It stimulates my juices.

But, the truth is that everyone is somebody already.