The imagination is like a muscle: it strengthens through use.

The creative process is different from the traditional production and work-flow process. It is not so linear.

A large part of the impresario's job has to do with maintaining and communicating standards of performance. Knowing how to set those standards - which are often more subjective than analytical - means knowing how to communicate the difference between something that is great and something that is just O.K.

Tunes have notes and tempos and rules. If the tune is "All the Things You Are," you have to adhere to its structure and to the tradition behind that structure.

The traditional managerial mind-set is an analytical mind-set. It is about creating accountability and defining responsibilities.

The manager's job - the impresario's job - is to preside over the company's efforts to jam so the business runs really well.

Jazz is not about getting and playing whatever notes you want. It is about reworking themes in a manner that sounds good, that can be followed by the other musicians and that the audience enjoys. You cannot do that without first acquiring skills.