Kevin Eubanks

I wish I could sing. I love singers, but I am way too shy. Scares the hell out of me.

The worst part is doubt. When you doubt yourself, which we are taught to do, you get lost.

The things I really learned, I learned from watching my parents. They take care of business. Always have.

The simple things in life ground me and keep me focused so I'm able to do a good job with what is in front of me.

The belief that we are what the media says we are, what people perceive we are, is soon to be what we think we are. We are treated based on this warped perception. It is hard to get away from it.

Sometimes I wonder if I got lulled into not wanting things because I grew up black in this country.

Serious musicians are finding it harder and harder to have a voice in the world of music these days.

People see my current success but don't realize I've worked hard to get where I am. I used to clean garbage off the Philadelphia docks and put a lot of time into developing my music.

My love life is like everyone else's - great, and then terrible.

My love life doesn't stink; it's nonexistent.

James Brown is the reason I play guitar.

It's shameful what's happening in this country in terms of what we deny our children.

It is hard for a black man to just be himself. We spend so much time in defense of something that is indefensible because there is nothing to defend.

Inspiration is one thing and you can't control it, but hard work is what keeps the ship moving. Good luck means, work hard. Keep up the good work.

In most places that are rich in guitar culture, everyone uses their fingers, like in Spain or Africa. In Japan there are string instruments played that way. It is not until you get in the States that you find people using picks.

If you play jazz, then you play with your fingers. If you're playing rock, you use a pick. There's really no rhyme or reason to that other than that's just the way it has been.

After a while I thought it didn't make any sense to use a pick. It's kind of like typing with one finger on each hand instead of using all your fingers.

I was playing violin for a long time, about 6 years. It takes a while. You need very patient people in your house when you have a violin.

I want someone who is open-minded, dedicated to whatever she is doing and isn't afraid to say I love you. As for looks, she shouldn't have three heads. I want a regular human being.

I thought people cared about music in a deep way, so I was writing to that spirit in people and in myself. It was me, thinking I knew what was up. Youth, who else can change the world?

I think Wes Montgomery is the greatest jazz guitarist that ever lived.

I really worked with icons in the music business, which really had a strong effect on me. It wasn't just pick-up gigs.

I really live a simple life and don't need very much to feel good and happy. Don't get me wrong; I believe you should get what you earn. Sometimes you have to fight for it.

I love both my parents dearly.

I had the fortunate experience to play with people from different schools of music. Sam Rivers is from the fundamentalist school of music.