No one is original. Everyone is derivative.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

I feel that L.A. has not always been my strongest base for support. That can be for various reasons.