We still talk about [school band]. Almost 40 years later. It's like people are talking about, "Man we need to have a morning band reunion".

I had made a couple of records in Europe. One as a leader, and one as a sideman before that. It was what it was. I started to work with Maria Schneider around that period and some other people, I started to get called to sub at the Vanguard in my mid-20s.

The only person who can limit your possibilities is you.

Phil [Wood] was very passionate. Very committed. He felt very blessed that the people that cared about him and took him aside... if he was out of line or drinking too much, being too surly.

I think [Phil Wood] didn't suffer fools gladly, but he loved supporting young people that loved the music.

When we hear music that we love that changes the world for us, we might as well at least aspire to something like that and aim high. You're probably not going to get beyond your dreams. So you might as well make them big.

I think that's important to remember - That we're blessed to even be able to attempt to do this [music].