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 had my guitar and some talent so that I could make friends with intelligent people and could talk my way out of difficult situations.

I love playing to people and seeing them react.

The wonderful thing about Jazz is its willingness to take chances.

It's great to have other people's help. Then the music gets heard. There's a lot more commercial support for that now.

I'm very conscious of developing my singing, technically and stylistically. I want it to become more individual, express more of me. That's my goal. These songs are steps along that way.

It's wonderful to work with someone with mentor status.