I think that he is one of the most unique voices in all of jazz. Nobody sounds like him.

The jazz clubs wind up having only rich tourists - the kids can't come. If they do, then they spend their entire monthly allotments on a 45-minute set.

In the States, this type of jam-band phenomena has opened it up for groups to improvise, admittedly more in the groove area, as opposed to the straight-ahead jazz thing - which is good for me, as that's one part of where I'm at. It's been so great playing these gigs and seeing kids come out and the whole college scene.

If I was a singer, I'd never do a tribute to Ray, ... If I was a piano player, I'd never do a tribute to Ray. But to take somebody that's so far away from what you do that you really love (I figured that) could be some interesting music. It's really been fun.

He is still dialed in and gives good counsel, and that is what we are seeking.

This is music I've known since I first started to play the guitar. Ray's music was one of my inspirations: He was a super soul-music man, but he was also a jazz musician, too. I see him as the height of honest expression.