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I find as much inspiration from the forerunners of jazz as I do the modern-day innovators of jazz.

Jazz is a constant theme in my life. My father is a jazz pianist, and from an early age I have been surrounded by it.

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.

I've always loved jazz.

Even though the music I make gathers influences from all over the place, I feel that the core of what I do comes from the jazz tradition. In terms of improvisation, interaction, feel and overall concept, Jazz is my main source of information and inspiration.

My main influences have always been the classic jazz players who sang, like Louis Armstrong and Nat King Cole and Jack Teagarden.

Jazz music creates so many phenomenal figures.

I'm a jazz musician, and I really wanted to not miss an opportunity to have the full connection to jazz.

Jazz is very much a part of my life. I work with the Thelonious Monk Institute and do the artwork for their program every year.

I have a fondness for jazz, particularly for jazz singers, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald all the way through the Sinatra era.