"The more you practice the luckier you get."
This quote by John McLaughlin emphasizes the importance of dedication, hard work, and consistent practice in achieving success or "luck" in one's endeavors. In other words, while some elements of fortune may influence our lives, it is the individuals who consistently strive to improve their skills and knowledge that are more likely to seize the opportunities presented to them as 'lucky'. By practicing diligently, we increase our chances of being ready when opportunity knocks, making us seem "lucky".
"There are note choices and there are mistakes."
This quote emphasizes that in music, not every choice made is necessarily a perfect or ideal one; however, it also suggests that what might seem like a mistake could still be a valid note choice, contributing to the uniqueness and expressiveness of the performance. In essence, McLaughlin highlights the subjective nature of musical interpretation, where the line between right and wrong can often blur, leading to infinite possibilities for artistic expression.
"Jazz is not just playing, it's also listening, it's emotion, it's intellect - it's being human really."
This quote by John McLaughlin highlights that jazz isn't merely about technical skill in playing an instrument; it encompasses a deeper, more profound aspect of the human experience. It's not only expressing emotions through music but also actively listening to others in the band, understanding their rhythms and melodies, and responding intuitively. The intellect comes into play as jazz musicians must constantly make quick decisions, improvise on the spot, and adapt to ever-changing musical landscapes. In essence, McLaughlin suggests that jazz is a reflection of our humanity: it's a creative outlet for emotions, a demonstration of intellectual prowess, and a testament to our ability to connect and collaborate with others.
"I think jazz musicians have to do something different every day of their lives or they should give up."
This quote by John McLaughlin emphasizes the importance of continuous evolution and innovation in the realm of jazz music. For a jazz musician, routine and repetition are not only uninspiring but also detrimental to growth. The expectation is that they should constantly challenge themselves, experiment with new ideas, and strive for originality each day. If they fail to do so, McLaughlin suggests that they might as well abandon their pursuit of jazz music, as stagnation would hinder the development of their skills and creativity.
"One of the things I love about improvisation is that you can do anything you want as long as other people agree with you."
This quote by John McLaughlin emphasizes the importance of collaboration and consensus in the realm of improvisation, be it music or any creative endeavor. It suggests that while freedom and individual creativity are essential, they must align with the collective vision or agreement for a successful outcome. In other words, even though each participant has the liberty to express themselves, their actions should harmonize with the group's shared understanding for the overall success of the improvisation.
President Obama took charge of the Oval Office seven years ago. He promised a positive reset in relations with Russia. But with the radioactive poisoning of a British spy in London, the downing of passenger jets over Europe, and the aggressive advances of Russian forces from Ukraine to Syria, President Putin of Russia has rebuked Mr. Obama.
- John McLaughlin
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