The bands that have been the most important to me, and the records that have been the most important to me as a fan, have been records that surprised me for one reason or another.

If I were a gambling man I would put all my money on there not being anything other than this universe.

Find people who think like you and stick with them. Make only music you are passionate about. Work only with people you like and trust. Don't sign anything.

Almost any decent cook will make food by eye and taste. Virtually all of my family cooked that way.

New York has magnificent eating available, both in restaurants and in the materials available to home cooks in the many specialty markets.

I want to be in cahoots with bands who want to make the record of their dreams.

Of the people who cook on television, I have admired people like Jacques Pepin, Julia Child, Mario Batali, Jamie Oliver and a few others because they are free of drama, display good taste and masterful technique, and use clear exposition to bring you up to speed.