Improvisation is the ability to create something very spiritual, something of one's own.

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

I am interested in my music lasting only while I'm alive. I'm not writing for the future.

Music represents nature. Nature represents life. Jazz represents nature. Jazz is life.

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

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

I guess I'm fortunate that I'm still around and I emphasize 'I guess', because you never can tell what musicians would be playing had they been around as long as I have.