I listen to a lot of singers, because I find phrasing to be one of the most essential elements of playing.

I love Amsterdam. The city is vibrant and alive. It's fresh and so open. It's definitely one of my favorite places.

Every ‘mistake’ is an opportunity in jazz.

I don't really see huge barriers between any styles of music. My definition of music is "organizing sound and silence into emotion," and that's a very broad definition.

The bandstand is an incredible space. It is really a sacred space. One of the things that is really sacred about it is that you have no opportunity to think about the future, or the past.

It's about being here in the moment, accepting one another and allowing creativity to flow.

Being at home with my family always inspires me. I find it hard to be inspired when I'm on the move. I'm not creative when I'm jet-lagged and sleeping in strange hotels.

I don't really see huge barriers between any styles of music.

I'm a spa person. Massages keep me relaxed, so I always try to make time for them when I tour.

If you listen to the way I speak, I have a lot of rhythm, use a lot of accents. When I'm playing my instrument, that concept comes through very clearly.

What happens when an art form becomes ambiguous, I think, is that the standards are lowered. You can say anything is jazz. So I think it's important to reflect on what made jazz so special.

Not that you’ll have any fun. I know my safe word, and I intend to use it.

Success is not a function of the size of your title but the richness of your contribution.

I have also considered many scientific plans during my pushing you around in your pram!

I was born in a poor family, a lower middle class family. My father was a clerk in the forest department. I was very bad at studies. I was not very good at sports, also.

When you have a dream you have to work hard to achieve that dream. Your dreams when you are young can be the force that keeps you going.

My friend asked me if I wanted a frozen banana. I said 'No, but I want a regular banana later, so... yeah.'

When you are in love you are not wise; or, when you are wise you are not in love.

Well, my great lesson with that was I went to the same production twice - once completely high and once completely sober - and both times were equally wonderful.

Shame may restrain what law does not prohibit.

Thought is made in the mouth.