"Music is closer to poetry than anything." — John McLaughlin

As far as favorite tunes, 'You Know You Know' is one, and why it is important is difficult to say. The rhythmic cycle is very interesting and challenging to play, since it can be considered three bars of 4/4 or four bars of 3/4. 'The Dance of Maya' is another, and I have to mention 'Sanctuary.'

The first LP, 'Inner Mounting Flame,' is, of course, one of my favorites, and also 'Visions of the Emerald Beyond.' But the others are also very dear to me.

In my world, if you want to make a record to make money, you're already off to a bad start.

I already experimented with free jazz in the 1960s and, in my opinion, to play free jazz, you have to be a perfect musician and a perfect human being - and none of us are!

The guitar l learned on was probably worth $4 or something, but it was priceless to me. It meant so much.

The day I stop making music would be the day I keel over, really.

The moment you start to talk about playing music, you destroy music. It cannot be talked about. It can only be played, enjoyed and listened to.

To pay attention to flattery or criticism is a waste of time for artists.

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Music is closer to poetry than anything.