It's always been a gift with me, hearing music the way I do. I don't know where it comes from, it's just there and I don't question it.

If you sacrifice your art because of some woman, or some man, or for some color, or for some wealth, you can't be trusted.

In other words, an instrument should be an extension of you; it's supposed to sound like you - the way you walk, the way you dress, you know.

When you work with great musicians, they are always a part of you . . . their spirits are walking around in me, so they're still here and passing it on to others.

Jazz musicians are so comfortable. The reason they can't do what we do is because they're so comfortable doin' what they do.

In improvisation, there are no mistakes.

If I have a dynamite bass player - I have Darryl Jones - it's so easy to write for him because he's such a funky kid and he's gifted. He's like a little genius.