I look for what's of value and extract that. I don't look to criticize.
Globalization means we have to re-examine some of our ideas, and look at ideas from other countries, from other cultures, and open ourselves to them. And that's not comfortable for the average person.
The value of music is to be able to play one note at the right time in the right way.
You can practice to learn a technique, but I'm more interested in conceiving of something in the moment.
The arts have always served relationships between people of different cultures so well. In a way, the arts function as a very serious kind of ambassador.
So in other words, we were constantly challenged to grow, and thats what a master does.
I have to care and I have to be honest and have the courage to be vulnerable. If that happens, then that's the best I can do. To just be a puppet for the audience is not very courageous. Just to do whatever they say they want - because a lot of times people will hear something new that they hadn't heard before and get turned on by a new experience and will want to hear more of that.
I keep recycling and repackaging music that I've done in the past, as though I can't write anymore. Like, okay, I'm done with that. But I need to kind of prod myself again into come on, Herbie, get off your duff and start writing some new music.
Jazz to me is the spirit of freedom. I mean real freedom. Freedom to explore. Freedom to express. Freedom to pour out your guts.
Being vulnerable is allowing yourself to trust. That's hard for a lot of people to do. They feel a lot more secure if they kind of put walls around themselves. Then they don't have to trust anybody but themselves. But to allow you to trust not only yourself but trust others means - is what's required to be vulnerable, and to have that kind of trust takes courage.
Creativity shouldn't be following radio; it should be the other way around.
The music becomes something that is its own entity.
We are eternally linked not just to each other but our environment.
It's part of my nature. I get excited when trying out new stuff, whether it be an idea or equipment. It stimulates my juices.
Jazz has been the voice of freedom for so many countries over the past half century.
The value of music is not dazzling yourself and others with technique.
Jazz translates the moment into a sense of inspiration for not only the musicians but for the listeners.
Jazz has borrowed from other genres of music and also has lent itself to other genres of music.
I try to practice with my life.
We can all be ourselves, be true to ourselves, and all be together.
Nobody told me I was a child prodigy.
I think risk-taking is a great adventure. And life should be full of adventures.
Wisdom corresponds to the future; it is philosophy.
You can change your character and, at the same time, change your fortune.
I never dreamed I would be a Goodwill Ambassador, and for UNESCO. Perfect organization. It is apolitical and it's about education, science and culture. I mean that is what I live. That is what UNESCO is really about; it's all about bringing human beings together with one common goal, which is to move human kind forward.
