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

I don't want to appear hostile, like I'm hostile to L.A. or that I feel that the people don't appreciate jazz. I don't think it's that. I think it's something more. It's something a little bit more complicated than that.

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

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

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

No one is original. Everyone is derivative.