"I met Long John Oliva through Jane Bunnett shortly after I arrived from Cuba (1996?). I knew him as Long John "Penalty." He and I hit it off personally and professionally from the beginning. When Long John and I weren't performing, we laughed a lot and jammed as a duo and with others. Long John was a great all-around percussionist. In his heart, he was a rumbero, but I remember his positive attitude and passion for music most. It was contagious!”
- Dafnis Prieto (August, 2022)