Madeleine peyroux

I'm very conscious of developing my singing, technically and stylistically. I want it to become more individual, express more of me. That's my goal. These songs are steps along that way.

My father had a varied ear, from Hank Williams to Ravel.

My father's record collection was full of New Orleans music of all kinds. I used to listen to the radio in New York, and all there was on it at the time was Madonna and Michael Jackson, so it sort of...

Second records aren't usually very good. Even Bob Dylan's was a bit disappointing.

Once I was in the city, I really enjoyed it. Just to experience things. There was so much new stuff.

I had my guitar and some talent so that I could make friends with intelligent people and could talk my way out of difficult situations.

I think I was probably an early teenager when I discovered Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey and a bunch of people that are on a long list of artists. They were important to me, especially as an early...

I was just learning to play guitar when Tracy Chapman came out. She wrote these songs, she played them by herself and I so admired her for that.

Jazz really does try to include everything. It's always been popular music. But the wonderful thing about jazz is its willingness to take chances.

No matter where we come from or where we're going, we've all got memories to contend with, and it's always best not to do this alone!