Paul Desmond

“I think I had it in the back of my mind that I wanted to sound like a dry martini.”

“I tried practicing for a few weeks and ended up playing too fast.”

“I have won several prizes as the world's slowest alto player, as well as a special award in 1961 for quietness.”

“I was unfashionable before anyone knew who I was.”

“I'm glad to be here. I'm glad to be anywhere.”

“I just want to be a good guy. And I want to be able to play a little music.”

“Sometimes I get the feeling that I'm the only person in the world who doesn't have a problem with it.”

“We're working on a new album, then I'm going to die.”

“Jazz can be so lonely. You're out there on a limb, and you're the only one who can get you back.”