Now I'm having the time of my life being on the road with one of the world's all-time great big bands, and performing with symphonies. I wouldn't trade it for anything. |
Personally, I think young musicians need to learn to play more than one style. Jazz can only enhance the classical side, and classical can only enhance the jazz. I started out playing classical, because you have to have that as a foundation. |
Television is so influential that when an audience sees you day-in and day-out there's a certain acceptance that sets in; you're no longer a threatening personality. They become more willing to accept whatever you present. |
Unlike many people who might have been in his position, Erich was open to change, |
We were run out of a diner, |
Well, the thought came to me that, for many of us who did this show, and for many people who watched the show, just because Johnny left there, didn't give them the closure they needed. But I would say that his passing gave us that closure, because I think we all realize now that he's not coming back. |
[Dorsey was a special influence.] If you wanted to be a bandleader, he's the guy you needed to work with, ... You could learn a lot from him. As a brass player, it was like going to college. Every day, it was like private lessons. |