Artists say that paintings are never done. I sort of feel the same way about music. I would never say something is perfect. There are performances that can generate a lot of emotion in me when I hear them, but I can't say if anything is perfect.

But to put out a greatest hits on one CD was totally impossible, I just couldn't do it. The best compromise was to put out two CDs - Early Days - which is what it is - and Latter Days.

Many people in the neighborhood liked hip-hop and house music, and I couldn't play that. You can't perform that on guitar or drums, which was what I was playing, at the time. But, I got so much from mariachi bands that were constantly playing in the neighborhood.

My finger picking is sort of a cross between Pete Seeger, Earl Scruggs, and total incompetence.

I know where I'm going musically. I can see my pattern and I'm going much slower than I thought I'd be going.

The only term I won't accept is "genius."

I like change and I like contrast.