Seeing how those companies operate, it didn't amount to a massive vote of confidence in their artists. There was talk of me going to Columbia after that, but nothing happened. I got disillusioned, and I pulled back.

My father's record collection was full of New Orleans music of all kinds. I used to listen to the radio in New York, and all there was on it at the time was Madonna and Michael Jackson, so it sort of passed me by.

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

I love playing to people and seeing them react.

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.

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

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