I never even thought about whether or not they understand what I'm doing . . . the emotional reaction is all that matters as long as there's some feeling of communication, it isn't necessary that it be understood.

Sometimes I wish I could walk up to my music for the first time, as if I had never heard it before.

Jazz is a word they use to sell our music, but to me that word does not exist.

I'd like to point out to people the divine in a musical language that transcends words. I want to speak to their souls.

The first time I heard Bird play, it hit me right between the eyes.

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

My goal is to live the truly religious life, and express it in my music. If you live it, when you play there's no problem because the music is part of the whole thing. To be a musician is really something. It goes very, very deep. My music is the spiritual expression of what I am - my faith, my knowledge, my being.