Second records aren't usually very good. Even Bob Dylan's was a bit disappointing.

I think I was probably an early teenager when I discovered Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey and a bunch of people that are on a long list of artists. They were important to me, especially as an early adolescent.

I listened to Billie Holiday a lot in order to learn to sing. She remains one of the extraordinary jazz singers. But my intent is to become my own voice, to be able to interpret these songs in my own way.

I've always loved singing. I find it exhilarating.

I was very lucky. Things happened, both bad and good, but I never got into real, deep trouble. But it wore me down. By the time I was 18, I was done. I didn't want to live the life any more. I needed to develop past the point that busking takes you to.

Once I was in the city, I really enjoyed it. Just to experience things. There was so much new stuff.

Second records aren't usually very good. Even Bob Dylan's was a bit disappointing.