The way it works: The orchestra plays a few selections of its own and I terminate the first part of the programme on piano, usually with a movement from a Mozart concerto.

Perfect retention. I dont think I could do that-Ive never disciplined myself to do it.I suppose a lot of it is a question of discipline. Which improvisation is not.

Learn the rules and then break them in such a way as to exercise good taste.

I always tell people, it took me 10 minutes and 35 years in the business. I get tired of playing it ["Lullaby of Birdland"], but not of collecting the royalties.

When people ask me how is it I was a musician, I facetiously say that I'm a firm believer in reincarnation and in a previous life I was Johann Sebastian Bach's guide dog.

My affiliation with England is borne out by the fact that I do come back for periodic visits.

If you establish an identity, you build a monster-and thats right, youve got to live with it. Of course, you can enjoy it, too.

Can anybody be given creativity? No. Only equipment to develop it if it's in them in the first place.

You know, when you've established a certain thing, what can you do? You're stuck with it.

I don't like freedom jazz - I think it's void of roots and void of foundation.

In Braille you write your flat sign first and then your note.

Well done is better than well said.

The living together for three long rainy days in the country has done more to dispel love than all the perfidies in love that have ever been committed.

Clarity affords focus.

What was taken by force, can only be restored by force.

If a nation wishes, it can have both free elections and slavery.

All of my friends who have younger siblings who are going to college or high school - my number one piece of advice is: You should learn how to program.

One of the things I've learned is never to horde ideas, because either they are not so relevant or they've gone stale. Whatever it is, pour it out.

The world is full of mystery but it must not be choked with secrets: we must talk to one another.

The hurt you embrace becomes joy.

Violence against women is an everyday reality, act now, always, and forever before its too late.