“You not only have to know your own instrument, you must know the other...” — Oscar Peterson Quote

“You not only have to know your own instrument, you must know the others and how to back them up at all times. That's jazz.”

“Some people try to get very philosophical and cerebral about what they're trying to say with jazz. You don't need any prologues, you just play.”

“I don't believe that a lot of the things I hear on the air today are going to be played for as long a time as Coleman Hawkins records or Brahms concertos.”

“I was very lucky because Tim Burton really gave me a career. I don't think Hollywood would've known what to do with me. If I hadn't done 'Beetlejuice,' I think I would've just gone back to my school.”

“If you're pure to the game, the game will be pure to you back eventually.”

“The best way to help the Latino community is to give back. I love giving back; I'm quiet about God and what I do, but we do a lot in the Dominican Republic.”