I think singing it when its done well is extremely natural. It feels great.

It is our responsibility to learn how to speak to an audience that is less informed about music, to give it a reason to want to come and see us instead of going to the movies.

A lot of performers don't want to leave the circuit, the European opera house circuit, partly because most singers don't sing many concerts, or at least not while they are in their prime.

I've always been inspired by artists who have shown musical and intellectual curiosity and the courage to take risks.

Certainly, jazz has become more of a niche, which is surprising, because it's our music. It's the national music of America.

I'm not exactly an angry young person.

For a while it was hard for me to say no to work.