In the old days, we'd have copying parties. . . you copy violin 1, you copy violin 2.
Freddie told me there were two trumpet players that scared him, Booker Little and Woody Shaw. Can you imagine scaring Freddie Hubbard?
When the band was playing, Thad was happy. He made the music. The music came out of him.
Writing for McCoy was great. You could be the saddest arranger in the world. . . you could write nothing, but when he plays it, it sounds great!
For the record, if anyone on Broadway or in LA says it’s going to be easy, you have to assume it’s going to be the hardest thing in the world!
Working with Michael Brecker was the deepest experience of my life.
You studied music, I studied the history of interesting releases for lead trumpet players.
House of Cards has been a dream job in terms of the amount of freedom I have. I have one of the longest creative leashes I’ve ever had.
The kind of dirt and dust that’s created from polishing things is not conducive to a good marriage.
Just being in New York and playing music is successful.
