You can play a shoestring if you're sincere.

I think music is an instrument. It can create the initial thought patterns that can change the thinking of people.

Starting in the middle of a musical sentence and moving in both directions at once.

Working with Monk is like falling down a dark elevator shaft.

Any time you play your horn, it helps you. If you get down, you can help yourself even in a rock 'n' roll band.

My music is the spiritual expression of what I am — my faith, my knowledge, my being...When you begin to see the possibilities of music, you desire to do something really good for people, to help humanity free itself from its hangups...I want to speak to their souls.

I want to be the force which is truly for good.