Milton, of all people, gave the most perfect definition of the state of mind required to play jazz: ' with wanton heed and giddy cunning.' That's how you play jazz.
It was never supposed to be a hit. It was supposed to be a Joe Morello drum solo.
Our basic audience begins with creaking elderly types of twenty-three and above.
I was unfashionable before anyone knew who I was.
Writing is like jazz. It can be learned, but it can't be taught.
I'm glad [Ornette Coleman] is such an individualist. I like the firmness of thought and purpose that goes into what he's doing, even though I don't always like to listen to it. It's like living in a house where everything's painted red.