If you really understand the meaning of be-bop, you understand the meaning of freedom.

I don't consider myself a musician who has achieved perfection and can't develop any further. But I compose my pieces with a formula that I created myself. Take a musician like John Coltrane. He is a perfect musician, who can give expression to all the possibilities of his instrument. But he seems to have difficulty expressing original ideas on it. That is why he keeps looking for ideas in exotic places. At least I don't have that problem, because, like I say, I find my inspiration in myself.

I never though much about race.

Anybody talented in any way - they're called eccentric.

Those who want to know what sound goes into my music should come to NY and open their ears.

I played the wrong wrong notes.

Jazz is my adventure.