Brazilian music has many of the ingredients that I strive for in my own music: Strong melodies and a disciplined but intense rhythmic concept, and interesting harmonies.

Not with the Rochester Philharmonic, but I formed my own orchestra, made up of musicians from the Eastman School, where I'm on the faculty now, direct the Jazz Ensemble and teach improvisation classes.

Melody is an important part of all the music I've written. I think that's why it has been so successful. It's music that sticks in your head.

1972 was a year of many pleasant and rewarding experiences for me:

I can't wait to have kids. I want so many. I want to adopt and have my own.

I don't have a therapist, so I use me as my own therapist when I'm making the music.