That is why we fly from the inner void, since God might steal into it. It is not the pursuit of pleasure and the aversion for effort which causes sin, but fear of God. We know that we cannot see him face to face without dying, and we do not want to die.

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.

Theory and harmony broadened my mind in music. I know what music is made of.

Greed has driven the world crazy. And I think I'm lucky that I have a place over here that I can call home.

To most white people, jazz means black and jazz means dirt, and that's not what I play. I play black classical music.

What kept me sane was knowing that things would change, and it was a question of keeping myself together until they did.

When I choose material for an album all these songs I grew up with pour into my head.