You can practice to learn a technique, but I'm more interested in conceiving of something in the moment.

I keep recycling and repackaging music that I've done in the past, as though I can't write anymore. Like, okay, I'm done with that. But I need to kind of prod myself again into come on, Herbie, get off your duff and start writing some new music.

Music happens to be an art form that transcends language.

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.

Jazz has borrowed from other genres of music and also has lent itself to other genres of music.

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

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