My parents were older than normal when they had me, and had been very into the politics of the 1960s, so I was brought up in that atmosphere.

My parents were older than normal when they had me, and had been very into the politics of the 1960s, so I was brought up in that atmosphere.

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'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.

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

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.

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.