What I am more concerned about is whether our whole civilization will be around in the next 25 years.

I think the problem starts with the general appreciation of the music in the larger society.

What I am more concerned about is whether our whole civilization will be around in the next 25 years.

One very important thing I learned from Monk was his complete dedication to music. That was his reason for being alive. Nothing else mattered except music, really.

America is deeply rooted in Negro culture: its colloquialisms; its humor; its music.

The thing is this: When I play, what I try to do is to reach my subconscious level. I don't want to overtly think about anything, because you can't think and play at the same time - believe me, I've tried it (laughs).

I've played with all of the heavyweights in the modern jazz, progressive jazz movement. I've been fortunate enough to play with them, a who's who. All of those guys, I've been fortunate enough to have performed with.