If all you have is music, then you don't have music

You're like the girl who left her shadow in the drawer, but when she went to get it, it wasn't there.

Jazz shouldn't have any mandates. Jazz is not supposed to be something that's required to sound like jazz. For me, the word 'jazz' means, 'I dare you.'

The arts can open the door to the imagination, pushing the envelope of how peace can be created. It takes courage to take this kind of risk, and courage is what we all need to create a better world.

Go out on the stage as a human being and do not be afraid to show struggle in your music. It's a struggle in life and then struggle and then victory.

I'm learning more about life when I'm playing too, and writing music. I'm learning more about life, the connection.

Composing is improvisation slowed down.