We all learn from each other, and I never really hung out with guys in that way, so I missed out.

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.

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

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.

It’s hard being pissed with a nice car and a good job. Fed up on filet medallions and swimming in chilled martinis. We know what we think and our life here is our reward for thinking it.

Nothing is ever as good or as bad as it appears to be.

I think what's important is to give space to the range of human experience.

The key to success is radical generosity.

I love those who do not know how to live, except by going under, for they are those who cross over.

It's not because I love you, but because I only love you. If I don't have you, then I won't have any other choices.

Let your cry be for free souls rather than for freedom. Moral liberty is the only important liberty.

You can't shame or humiliate modern celebrities. What used to be called shame and humiliation is now called publicity.

I paint what I think, not what I see.

No temptation, no pressure, no enticing can overcome us unless we allow such. If we make the wrong choice, we have no one to blame but ourselves.