“It's like a whole orchestra, the piano for me.” — Dave Brubeck Quote

It's like a whole orchestra, the piano for me.

If there's a deadline, I work late. If not, I like to have normal hours, and get up early and work. When things are going well, I hate to quit. And then I'll work 'till exhausted.

Many people don't understand how disciplined you have to be to play jazz... And that is really the idea of democracy - freedom within the Constitution or discipline. You don't just get out there and do anything you want.

And there is a time where you can be beyond yourself. You can be better than your technique. You can be better than most of your usual ideas. And this is a whole other category that you can get into.

It's so important which musicians we choose for being in the orchestra.

I often play on the cello-bass side of the orchestra, because I prefer the deep sounds. I can't hear the violins well.

Over the years, I've loved being on stage with an orchestra, waving my hands around.

The New York Philharmonic is a tremendous opportunity, a great orchestra.

You have to change your mind with every orchestra because every orchestra has a different character.