When was about 16 or 17, I was living in Beaumont, Texas and Carlos Montoya came to Lamar College. I went to see him and I didn't know what flamenco was. But when I saw him play, I was blown away that one man on one instrument could make all that sound. I'd learned a lot, but that made a big impact. I had intuition for it. In about three years I learned most of what I know now.

I really wanted a guitar. As A little boy I used to tell people I was going to be a musician. They would humor me, and I'd make up thirty minute songs and drive them nuts.

When you're an elite athlete, it's a very special moment in time and you don't want it to end.

I didn't have the self-promotion instinct, and I just didn't care about it. I sort of had a "beat" attitude.

I've refined it since [ was living in Beaumont, Texas], but I was just obsessed with the guitar. I remember one day sitting in class and it just came to me how the neck worked. I was enlightened to the scales, and the runs. I just saw it and thought; now I understand it!

I'd rather work with guys that have time to live with you, and let it gel.

I was made to go to church and I heard the gospel songs, and every now then somebody would come through with a guitar and that was a thrill!