I try to play the bare essence, to let everything be just what it's supposed to be.

Many critics always saw and heard that my style comes from Roy Eldridge, which is true. But for many things, not only how to play the trumpet but the way to choose the notes, how to play them and how to phrase all of them, I took that from Sweets [Edison]. He really brought something new to the trumpet.

They're not particular whether you're playing a flat 5th or a ruptured 129th as long as they can dance.

As a musician you have to keep one foot back in the past and have one foot forward into the future.

When I grow up I want to be just like Benny Carter!

I try to play the bare essence, to let everything be just what it's supposed to be.

Bop is at the end of the road. Now everybody wants dance music.