- I'm a big proponent of making beginning band programs an integral part of our society. It is so important, because that's where a lot of us start.
- For me, music is about sharing joy, and I always keep that in the forefront. If you can share joy with your fans, that becomes part of your relationship and they are always going to keep coming out to your shows.
- [observation, 2013] It used to be there were three major record labels and a lot of shotgun marketing, and they would tell you what you should like, but none of that stuff works anymore. In today's digital age you can create something that's authentically you. I'm fond of saying that the best thing to bet on is yourself.
- [on the role of a jazz saxophonist] Being a great support sideman involves, first and foremost, conveying the music the way the leader wants it to be conveyed. Generally, that means learning it off the record exactly as it was recorded. And there's all the basic stuff: being on time, putting out the right kind of vibe onstage' learning about sound and sound checks, how to be a supportive artist, but also when it's important to step up and shine. It takes time.
- [on 'sitting in' with older musicians in his youth] You work on one song at a time, go to the jam session, improvise and get some feedback. That's the camaraderie of jazz. They want to see you put it on the line... Those were my early lessons as a kid - going to the sessions and getting my butt kicked. It makes you go home and practice and get your act together.
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