What does New York sound like? For me, the Charlie Parker at the Royal Roost recordings on the Savoy label are the total embodiment of the New York music experience.

Mozart was born Mozart. Charlie Parker was born Charlie Parker.

It was my band. I organized the band and Dizzy was in the band. Dizzy was the first musical director with the band. Charlie Parker was in the band. But, no, no, that was my band.

Charlie Parker was a genius, as was Lester Young.

I didn't know what the hell Charlie Parker was playing... I just liked the way he played.

There's Charlie Parker and there's Miles, there's Trane. I'm none of those guys, so why am I beating myself up trying to find the lost chord all the time?