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

I was just learning to play guitar when Tracy Chapman came out. She wrote these songs, she played them by herself and I so admired her for that.

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

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 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 love playing to people and seeing them react.