I’m Beginning To Understand Myself. But It

Many People Don't Understand How Disciplined You Have To Be To Play Jazz... And That Is Really The Idea Of Democracy - Freedom Within The Constitution Or Discipline. You Don't Just Get Out There And Do Anything You Want.

The Reality For Me Is Simple. When Music Is Written, It Is Usually Categorized As Classical. When It Is Improvised, It Can Still Be Called Classical If It Is An Inspired Improvisation. In Either Category, It Is Still Music, And It Can Be Good Or Bad Or Simply Mediocre.

The Source Of Inspiration Can Be Any Of The Things:deep Emotional Experiences - Say, Romantic Love Or Spiritual Contemplation.i Think Such Rare Moments Come Only When You Have Total Concentration. You Are Consumed In And By The Music. I Guess You Could Say That It Is Akin To Contemplation. In Order To Reach This Desirable State Of Mind You Have To Rise Above The Environment You're In At That Particular Time - A Bad Piano, Glaring Stage Lights, Or The Attitude Of The Audience. Sometimes The Inspiration Of The Other Musicians You're Playing With Helps You Reach This Stage.

Probably The Most Profound Thing In The Bible Is 'love Your Enemies, Do Good To Those Who Hate You.' This Is What, To Me, Is The Essence Of Christianity.

I Wasn't Allowed To Play In Some Universities In The United States And Out Of Twenty-five Concerts, Twenty-three Were Canceled Unless I Would Substitute My Black Bass Player For My Old White Bass Player, Which I Wouldn't Do.