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 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.

No matter where we come from or where we're going, we've all got memories to contend with, and it's always best not to do this alone!

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.

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

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.

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