When you are studying jazz, the best thing to do is listen to records or listen to live music. It isn't as though you go to a teacher. You just listen as much as you can and absorb everything.

There are times when what's happening in rock is the best music in the world, and there are times when there is nothing worthwhile at all.

I got started when I was 3 years old because my father was a music teacher and my lessons were free. Instead of learning to walk, you learn to play the piano.

I just got to hear every note. After I left Birdland, I started working at the Jazz Gallery. In the end, I still couldn't play, but I knew how to listen. I was probably the world's best listener.

There's nothing to compare to live music, there just isn't anything.

Listening is more important than anything else because that's what music is. Somebody is playing something and you're receiving it. It is sending and receiving.