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

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

We have to make ourselves as perfect as we can.

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.

I'm fortunate that I'm making a living at it now because I'm not equipped to do anything else.