I am a musician who is passionate about listening to music. That may sound like I am stating the obvious, but, trust me, not all musicians are avid listeners. I am not at all concerned with what is trendy or hip. I gravitated toward African-American music because it spoke to me; not because some critic or trendsetter told me it was important. I am of European descent yet I have relatives who trace their heritage to Africa, Asia, and the Indian subcontinent (so I know something about diversity).