"Imagine for a moment that you could execute every scale, chord, and pattern faster and cleaner than anyone else in the world. It would be a remarkable accomplishment. But I assure you that you would sound profoundly boring and unmusical. Equally and possibly more important than technique is the ability to express emotion and personality. To play soulfully and project musical ideas in a deep and personal way is what separates an artist from a craftsman. It is easy to lose track of this essential element in your pursuit of technical excellence. Ultimately, it is what we desire and yearn to hear in music."
"For me it was Cannonball...then Coltrane, Joe Henderson, and Michael Brecker. I tried to figure out their solos, emulating everything: sound, licks, and mouthpiece set ups. It was this self pursuit process that taught me crucial concepts of sound production, tonguing, vibrato, lip and fingered glisses, fall offs, growls and more. These techniques are virtually impossible to teach. You have to hear them under a microscope, analyze them and assimilate them for yourself. Every great jazz player has gone through a similar process. It is the only way to find your individual voice."—Bob Sheppard