Most jazz players work out their solos, at least to the extent that they have a very specific vocabulary.

In some ways Lester Young is the most complex rhythmically of any musician. He does some things which are just phenomenal.

I understood that if I wanted to work, the saxophone was the main instrument. The clarinet was what we call a double.

Benny Goodman was one of the big influences as a clarinet player. That's why I wanted the clarinet.

I love Indian music very much, but I haven't studied that specifically.

I could stop and say, Well that was a D minor, G seven, but I really don't want to know that. I just want to know that there's a combination of notes that makes a sound.

As long as there are people trying to play music in a sincere way, there will be Jazz.

After playing now for 60 years, it's still very challenging for me to play a simple melody and have it clean and touch the reed at the proper time in the proper way.

A first love always occupies a special place.

I'd like to feel that whatever I play is a result of whatever I've heard.

I have been able to get a small audience. It's not the huge audience, but it's enough to make it possible to play. I appreciate that.

When we stand, we do so not only for ourselves, but also for countless others who have similar stories but may never have an opportunity to be witnessed.

I like a man who can be a real friend, has a good sense of humor, a good pair of shoes and a healthy gold card.

One cannot overestimate the options the West has available with which it can apply pressure on Russia.

Revenge is a much more punctual paymaster than gratitude

Before judging a thin man, one must get some information. Perhaps he was once fat.

A wise man has told us that "men are once for all so made that they prefer a rational world to believe in and live in."

You have to know that success is greater when it's shared.

Only you can prevent the genocide of the imagination.

I give in to nothing or nobody. Cut me, break my bones, it was all the same.

If I taught a class, on my final exam I would take an Internet company and ask, 'How much is this company worth?' Anyone who would answer, I would flunk.