“It’s not about standing still and becoming safe. If anybody wants to keep creating they have to be about change.”

Do not fear mistakes. There are none.

When you work with great musicians, they are always a part of you . . . their spirits are walking around in me, so they’re still here and passing it on to others.

You should never be comfortable, man. Being comfortable fouled up a lot of musicians.

I’m not messing around with nobody’s woman. If I want a woman I go get her – you know what I mean?

I ain’t no entertainer, and ain’t trying to be one. I am one thing, a musician.

All my inspiration comes from Ahmad Jamal.

Always look ahead, but never look back.

I don’t like to hear someone put down dixieland. Those people who say there’s no music but bop are just stupid; it shows how much they don’t know.

You know why I quit playing ballads? Cause I love playing ballads.

The way you change and help music is by tryin’ to invent new ways to play.

If you have to ask, you’ll never know.

Music is an addiction.

Sometimes you have to play a long time to be able to play like yourself.

If you hit a wrong note, it’s the next note that you play that determines if it’s good or bad.

My ego only needs a good rhythm section.

Do not be afraid of errors. There are no errors.

I do always have a wall up. But I feel by doing it, I keep myself safe.

Healthy love is chosen not chased.

I’ve always felt kind of safe on stage, protected. I’ve talked to other performers about this and they feel the same things, particularly in the live arena. I never get nervous going on stage to do a play. Doing film or television I’ll have more butterflies.

I like darkness and confusion and absurdity, but I like to know that there could be a little door that you could go out into a safe life area of happiness.

There is no safety for honest men, but by believing all possible evil of evil men, and by acting with promptitude, decision, and steadiness on that belief.

I am always safe, no matter which doorway I pass through.

Don’t ever think I am fragile because I asked you to handle me with care. It was not a plea, it was a warning. My strength keeps me safe but I can’t say the same for you.

Just because you’re a Believer, doesn’t mean your safe from the Hell-fire.