My parents were older than normal when they had me and had been very into the politics of the 1960s so I was brought up in that atmosphere.
I was just learning to play guitar when Tracy Chapman came out. She wrote these songs she played them by herself and I so admired her for that.
No matter where we come from or where we're going we've all got memories to contend with and it's always best not to do this alone!
Second records aren't usually very good. Even Bob Dylan's was a bit disappointing.
My father had a varied ear from Hank Williams to Ravel.
The wonderful thing about Jazz is its willingness to take chances.
You have to let it all hang out let go of the ideas that were more comfortable and embrace some of the sadness in your life.
It's great to have other people's help. Then the music gets heard. There's a lot more commercial support for that now.
I had my guitar and some talent so that I could make friends with intelligent people and could talk my way out of difficult situations.
I've always loved singing. I find it exhilarating.
Once I was in the city I really enjoyed it. Just to experience things. There was so much new stuff.
Jazz really does try to include everything. It's always been popular music. But the wonderful thing about jazz is its willingness to take chances.
It's wonderful to work with someone with mentor status.
I love playing to people and seeing them react.
I'm very conscious of developing my singing technically and stylistically. I want it to become more individual express more of me. That's my goal. These songs are steps along that way.