[My mother] told me a little bit about the scene out there and I think, as a small child, I just always felt a connection to that history because my mother had described it to me.

[Winning the Thelonious Monk International Saxophone Competition]definitely opened some doors.

Only through service and sacrifice can you become great.

I didn't always have time to practice as much as I wanted to do, that was a real problem for me in high school and college.

Enthusiasm attracts more passengers and energizes them during the ride.

[Phil Wood] knew about wine. He knew about food. He knew about art. He knew about classical music. He was interested in things.

When [Charlie Parker] saw the young guys, especially the ones that were scuffling... "Did you eat today?" And if you hadn't eaten, he'd take you and buy you some lunch.