I'm not supposed to be playing, the music is supposed to be playing me. I'm just supposed to be standing there with the horn, moving my fingers. The music is supposed to be coming through me; that's when it's really happening.

I'm now a legend, whether I want to be or not.

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

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

Charlie Parker stuck out in my mind.

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

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