Why did you make the switch from R&B to jazz?        
I did not make a switch. I have been a jazz player all my life, ever since I first heard a recording of John Coltrane when I was 14. I was, however, a studio player in Los Angeles for about 25 years, and that required me to play many different kinds of music, one of which was R&B. So when playing that, I was a jazz player performing R&B music.  But I was always a jazz player.

Did your life change after winning your first Grammy?
Not much, since my life focus is on playing the music and continuing to grow and develop in it and through it. So I was still (as I am now) practicing every day, writing music, and playing. I may have gotten more work because people in the business knew about the award.

You’ve recorded with a lot of great artists. Which big name have you most enjoyed working with?
Charlie Haden, the iconic bass player of jazz, has been a particularly wonderful musician to play with. I have been in his group Quartet West for 25 years now, enjoying Charlie’s incredible tone and the rich musical experience that the group produces.

What artist would you most like to work with?
I have always wanted to play with the great jazz pianist Keith Jarrett.  I admire his music very much.

You’ve been playing jazz for decades. How has your style evolved? Has technology been a factor?
My style, when I was a student, was at first a choice of ideas from what I heard on records of great musicians, and then gradually I found my own “voice” (my sound) as I continued to play more and more. Now, as a long-time professional playing for over 50 years, my style still continuously evolves, because I am always practicing, listening to music, and trying new musical ideas.