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

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 love playing to people and seeing them react.

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.

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

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

I've always loved singing. I find it exhilarating.