Mr. McVicker instilled self-respect in those of us who were his students, because he respected us regardless of our background.

I would like to be a scholar in whatever I do, a scholar is never finished, he is always seeking and I am always seeking.

Many fail to realize this great recording industry was built by so-called jazz artists. And at the other end of the spectrum, a base in European classical music as well.

The quickest way to become troubled is to be concerned with what people are gonna say about your life and your work.

Jazz Improvisation means that practice is not as straightforward as it would be when you simply have a score to play.

You've got a big, big problem if you get caught up in what people say. If you're gonna live for what people say, you might as well lay down and forget it. Because it doesn't work that way.

I have looked to the Steinway piano since I was three, not only as my ideal choice of an instrument. But, as a responsive and ever reliable friend.

One can only describe the human but can never define it because humans are complex in their nature.

Whole-hearted listening is the greatest spiritual gift you can give to the other person.

Education is essential to change, for education creates both new wants and the ability to satisfy them.

I've played many characters that have consumed me and owned me.

I believe I'm a middle-of-the-order hitter capable of driving in runs. If I stay healthy, I'll get back to that level.

I'm not going to wait on anybody to put out music or a visual. Everything I will do is on my own. I'm not waiting on anyone.

Poetry is an investigation, not an expression, of what you know.

A library is an adjustable wrench for opening the head.

always there is a sort of dream of air between you and the hills of California, a veil of unreality in the intervening air. It gives the hills the bloom that peaches have, or grapes in the dew.

The writing is done on the computer, and the drawing is done by hand. I write, write, write, then I hit the illustration.