Pretty fortunate that with the exception of two months when I was 23, that I worked in a law office pushing paper around. I was always able to eke out a living somehow. So I'm blessed.

Connection to the music and the history was very powerful to me. I think that's what I feel the most blessed about.

Aesthetically, I love the whole history of the music.

Letting people share their gifts and strengths is real love.

I went in [Sweet Basil band] and played with them, maybe half the gig for almost eight years or more.

I was commuting three to four hours a day, I had jobs for much of it. But I was always involved in going to some ensemble someplace. Taking my lessons at the local Jewish community center on Staten Island.

You're not going to have any pension or health care from those $60 nights at you name the club. But I think you do this because you have to do it. You pursue any art form because you need it. Because you love it.