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

We need to put into practice the idea of embracing other cultures. We need to be shaping the kind of world we want to live in instead of waiting for someone else or some other entities to do it for us.

I'm aware that a lot of what is happening in jazz has not had a very dynamic change in a long time.

One thing that attracted me to Buddhism was the support for this larger vision of values.

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.

Getting the Oscar had the biggest impression on me.

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.