I think we are in the midst of this period where we are committing this suicide on the planet and everybody is just using up all of our natural resources like a bunch of insane people. That's what I worry about more than I worry about jazz.

Charlie Parker stuck out in my mind.

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

We have to make ourselves as perfect as we can.

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

I think as long as people are around and can hear a record and hear people like Lester Young on a recording, there will always be a great inspiration for somebody to try to create jazz.

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