Somehow trumpet is the reference point for me it was actually my first instrument.

Listening is the key to everything good in music.

My first relationship to any kind of musical situation is as a listener.

1962 to 1965, where suddenly the guitar became this icon of youth culture all over the world, thanks mostly to the Beatles. Add to that, that I saw A Hard Day's Night 12 or 13 times, and that the guitar was the one instrument that my parents absolutely refused to let in the house. So you add it up and see that irresistible forces led me to the guitar.

I think I represent a more left-wing view of what jazz is

There's more bad music in jazz than any other form. Maybe that's because the audience doesn't really know what's happening.

I met Gary (Burton) at the Wichita Jazz Festival when I was 18 -- he was one of my favorite musicians and I got to play a few tunes with him there. Shortly after that, I joined his band, which was the equivalent of joining the Beatles for me! He was, and still is, one of the greatest musicians I have ever been lucky enough to be around.