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

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

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

My father had a varied ear, from Hank Williams to Ravel.

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 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 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.