I'm a recovered alcoholic. I don't do anything anymore, but those things, those things take away ... You're a different personality completely when you take those. For those who are really chemically dependent on anything, it's not you.

I've done some dastardly things but what can I do except make amends and apologize?

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

Switch to piano! No. Really, if you like an instrument that sings, play the saxophone. At its best it's like the human voice. Of course, it would be best if you could actually sing with your own voice. The saxophone is an imperfect instrument, especially the tenor and soprano, as far as intonation goes. Therefore, the challenge is to sing on an imperfect instrument or 'voice' that is outside of your body. I love that challenge and have for over forty-five years. As far as playing jazz, no other art form, other than conversation, can give the satisfaction of spontaneous interaction.

I came from an era when we didn't use electronic instruments. The bass wasn't even amplified. The sound was the sound you got.

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

I never consciously tried to conceive of what my sound should be.