John McLaughlin
John McLaughlin
writing school play
When Indian musicians play a raga it's very restrictive. But, in a way these restraints are essential to liberate yourself through them, if that makes sense. I'm very much of this school of rhythm, it's the direction I'm drawn in when I'm writing and improvising.
people trying human-experience
I'm never trying to preach to anybody with my music, but I'm aware of the universal nature of the human experience and I try to reach out and connect with people in that manner.
growing-up growing paper
I never read comics growing up. I didn't have money and I don't like to touch paper.
giving mind form
When the music arrives in my mind, it gives me the direction and the form at the same time. It's integrated into the music itself.
spiritual thinking faces
I was dealing with a lot of spiritual questions like "Who am I?" "What is God" "What is the meaning of life?" All of these questions that I think we can either face head on or choose to ignore, it's up to us.
spiritual believe i-believe
I believe everybody is spiritual and no one is any more spiritual than anyone else.
spiritual believe trying
There is really no spiritual message that I'm trying to convey with my music, it's just a personal thing. I really believe that the more personal we get, in a way, the more universal the implications.
order growing want
I just want to keep exploring music and hopefully the orders will keep coming in and I'll be able to keep growing the interior and exterior sides of my life.
guy feelings different
I'm not any different from you or the guy down the street or across the globe, we're all connected in some way and hopefully my music can integrate that feeling of human connectedness.
order waiting use
The music dictates to me which instrument I use. I'm basically waiting for orders as it were.
culture mathematics rhythm
The mathematics of rhythm are universal. They don't belong to any particular culture.
romantic-love love-is play
At the risk of sounding hopelessly romantic, love is the key element. I really love to play with different musicians who come from different cultural backgrounds.
transcendental aspect audience
Music that touches the transcendental aspect of a human being is reserved for a marginal audience
important musician notes
Interplay and interaction are the integral parts of music - they're as important as the notes.