Many jazz artists go to L.A. seeking a more comfortable life and then they really stop playing.

Jazz is the type of music that can absorb so many things and still be jazz.

I don't want to appear hostile, like I'm hostile to L.A. or that I feel that the people don't appreciate jazz. I don't think it's that. I think it's something more. It's something a little bit more complicated than that.

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.

I feel that Jazz improvisation is the ultimate. You have to create on the spot, the essence of this music.

I have seen great jazz musicians die obscure and drinking themselves to death and not really being able to get any work and working in small, funky jazz clubs.

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