If you like an instrument that sings, play the saxophone. At its best it's like the human voice.

Hearing myself so much all the time, I don't think I sound that special all the time because it's me.

The saxophone is an imperfect instrument, especially the tenor and soprano, as far as intonation goes. The challenge is to sing on an imperfect instrument that is outside of your body.

You can read all the textbooks and listen to all the records, but you have to play with musicians that are better than you.

I had a 10-year heroin habit and kicked that. Then I became an alcoholic. I drank two fifth's a day.

I appreciate men like Ben Webster and Coleman Hawkins very much.

There are four qualities essential to a great jazzman. they are taste, courage, individuality, and irreverence.