There's not much in the way of written-down arrangements - just things that Gerry and I have worked out, from playing spontaneously together and hanging on to whatever seems to fall in right.

My brother had a big band in high school; after that we continued to play together, eventually forming a group called the Jazz Brothers, that recorded for Riverside Records.

Music is meant to be a beautiful thing.

I write music people enjoy playing and listening to, and I have a group that loves playing the music.

I tend to not want to put labels or categories on the music, only because people come with preconceived ideas about what they're going to hear, or won't come for this reason.

I was blessed to work with The Jazz Messengers when the two piano players were Keith Jarrett and Chick Corea.

A studio recording is perfection, but emotion and passion come only when you turn on the machine and go for the groove. If you do that with no mistakes, it sounds beautiful.

Whether it's string writing or whatever, I try to write for what each instrumentalist can do best.

I am glad that I wrote something that brought joy to millions of people.

1972 was a year of many pleasant and rewarding experiences for me

Brazilian music has many of the ingredients that I strive for in my own music: Strong melodies and a disciplined but intense rhythmic concept, and interesting harmonies.

Faith is always supposed to make it harder, not easier, to ignore the plight of our sisters and brothers. (p. 165)

And I know, when things look the worst is when something new and wonderful is about to happen, if we can just hold on.

Nothing inspires me greater than the silly behaviour and crazy ideas of my best friends...

Patriotism to your country is something that comes from your heart. It should be taught to you by your parents.

To truly find yourself, touch as many lives as possible!

There are social democrats and others who are marching more in the direction of equality, whether you call them socialists or communists... Capitalism has only hurt Latin America.

The one thing that hinders God is our unbelief.

Education of youth is not a bow for every man to shoot in that counts himself a teacher; but will require sinews almost equal to those which Homer gave to Ulysses.

Improve yourself by other men's writings thus attaining effortlessly what they acquired through great difficulty.

Don't settle for anything other than your passion - if you're lucky enough to find it.