Not to dismiss Gershwin, but Gershwin is the chip; Ellington was the block.

When I began experimenting, people weren't ready for it. Once it's in its second and third generational stages, people can accept it.

I see music as fluid architecture.

Back then, I didn't have a big organization around me. I was just a kid with a guitar, traveling around. My responsibility basically was to the art, and I had extra time on my hands. There is no extra time now. There isn't enough time.

Fame is a series of misunderstandin gs surrounding a name.

Elusive dreams and vague desires fanned to fiery needs by deadly deeds of falling empires.

I like my freedom. I like to do my own grocery shopping. People do recognize you. They are kind of shocked. Some people like it. It makes them feel at ease. It confirms their hopes that you are in fact similar to them.