Jazz is not just music, it's a way of life, it's a way of being, a way of thinking. . . . the new inventive phrases we make up to describe things - all that to me is jazz just as much as the music we play.

Funk, gospel, blues is all out of slavery times, out of depression, out of sorrow.

I had spent many years pursuing excellence, because that is what classical music is all about... Now it was dedicated to freedom, and that was far more important.

That's a very high goal to have, study eight hours a day to be a concert pianist.

I'm a nut for Bach as a composer.

Music is a gift and a burden I've had since I can remember who I was.

I tell you what freedom is to me: no fear.