The starting point of all great jazz has got to be format, a language that you can work within that, in some ways, is much tighter than the blues or even gospel. It's all working towards the same destination - the difference being that Miles Davis flew there, and I'm still taking the subway.

I write stories that are already in the air, and I think it's important to have the correct listening device to tune in to that frequency.

I like stories where normal people are in abnormal situations, and that's what appeals to me about history.

James McBride Quotes