There's no performance where I never have to think about setting up a phrase or making a technical adjustment while I'm performing.

I'm reserved, so I've always needed to find a way of opening up. Jazz helped me do that.

I'm not a reactionary.

I was constantly being pushed toward a European ideal of what it means to be a classical or opera singer, let's say in the Renata Tebaldi mode. I reject that.

I'm lucky - I can do two things at once.

I want to get out of the major opera houses.

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