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Oh, yeah. I know Dizzy. For years he's been my buddy way, way, way back. Dizzy is one of the most astute guys and one of the most learned guys in the world and knows exactly what he's doing musically.

From the vertigo, I found out how far I can push myself physically and also mentally.

My playing started to develop through the Miles Davis stuff I was listening to.

I always say that when I'm playing well, no one can beat me. I'm not just saying that to sound full of myself or anything, but it's true.

I try not to repeat myself in fills in all the Rush songs unless it is something simple or something I feel is my own characteristic thing.

I feel like my strength is surrounding myself with people who have an ear for things, and then they play it for me. I'm always looking; my ear is always open.

I try to focus on what I can control, and that's just playing hard and playing well.

If you're serious about what you're doing, you've got to keep your head and follow your instinct. Maybe you won't reach the same dizzy heights as others, but you will get something back.

I don't think, as a player, I have a weakness on the field. I've done a great job of becoming good at everything, so I think that's what separates me.

I skipped school one day to see Dizzy Gillespie, and that's where I met Coltrane. Coltrane and Jimmy Heath just joined the band, and I brought my trumpet, and he was sitting at the piano downstairs waiting to join Dizzy's band. He had his saxophone across his lap, and he looked at me and he said, 'You want to play?'