Benny Goodman was one of the big influences as a clarinet player. That's why I wanted the clarinet.

I started off playing the clarinet, after I was inspired by listening to my dad's Benny Goodman records.

I always felt as a horn player, a jam session wasn't satisfying enough for me. I should have been a rhythm section player, actually.

I'm working really hard to get the clarinet out of that hole, that Benny Goodman thing.

A first love always occupies a special place.

After playing now for 60 years, it's still very challenging for me to play a simple melody and have it clean and touch the reed at the proper time in the proper way.