You have to study composition to understand that things can be done backwards and forwards and upside down, inverted, but it's mainly just an inner valid intuitive thing. Where do you want to go? Ok this is busy, or this needs some space, or this is too much space so now I want to put more notes in there or something. It's all about contrast. High, low. Fast, slow, thick or thin or what have you. And it's the same with improvisation.

I've composed all my life and kept things, and even developed things I've done in college into something now.

There are things I've kept over the years and then someday I might pull up a program of some tune that I've done and I go "Wow, I know what to do with this now".

The best thing is to find something you really love to do and enjoy that process for the rest of your life.

I married my Japanese wife Mayumi who I'm so happy with, she's been so supportive. I live part time in Japan at her house, so I've been always very influenced by Japan. Since I guess the 70's or so. I've come to appreciate so much of their culture.

It's very difficult to make a living in music these days. All it takes is somebody paying.

I'm very grateful to be where I'm at and be able to play. That's really the bottom line for me. Survival and being able to play.