We all teach from that same frame of reference. We're like neighborhood - the people who have had the opportunity through this music to gain a platform and spread the message of this music, which is basically love in a form of communication that's honest and truthful.

We're blues people. And blues never lets tragedy have the last word.

What I really have in my head, my imagination, my understanding of music, I never really get that out.

I always like to play very contemporary concepts of swing right next to New Orleans music because it highlights continuum.

My mother always took my brothers and me to music lessons. There were six children. Our parents attended our concerts and encouraged us to study and enjoy many different types of music.

New Orleans - the real New Orleans - is the soul of the country.

I'll write down and catalogue all the different devices that are Americana to me, and I try to have a historic depth and breadth and also the things that we do in our time, the type of vamps and chants, things that are available to us.