I think what we need is a more welcoming mode from the people who put on a hundred million country-western shows on television. How about a monthly jazz show?

I have always been a person who is concerned with the dignity of jazz music and the way jazz musicians have been treated and are treated, and the fact that the music has not been given the kind of due that it deserves.

I am a person who thinks about the music first in trying to achieve something musically valid.

Even the most jingoistic person would have to admit that even American cultural music comes from Europe. That's what classical music is, real European music.

There have been many great musicians that, Clifford Brown is one great example, I mean he died very early, 25.

I'm now a legend, whether I want to be or not.

Jazz has an audience all around the globe and has had for many decades, I think speaking of the United States, let's say that what we need is more of an official recognition.