John McLaughlin on the ability of music to transcend cultural barriers.

"The mathematics of rhythm are universal.  

They don't belong to any particular culture."

John McLaughlin evaluates rhythm in two sentences more wholly than I could in twenty.  His outstanding talent and oneness with the spirituality of music and the human spirit makes him an authority on the matter.  If you don't want to take my word alone, just look at the man's radiant smile.  He glows with a  purity of spirit which is unrivaled among even the youngest of people. 


Music is undoubtedly the true language of the human spirit.  Music provides us with an intercultural communication device which transcends language, age, gender, religion, politics, and a great many other barriers to allow a librarian in a rural town in Southwestern Pennsylvania to feel an emotional and spiritual connection to the music generated by the emotional and spiritual energies ignited in the passions of a more talented and sound individual in every way.  But despite the differences between the listener and the creator, there is forged an impenetrable bond fortified by emotional connection and a sense of
connectedness with another human that we are all in desperate need of. 

"The true language of the human spirit is music."

If you have not yet had the pleasure of a listening experience of John McLaughlin's music, I am going to include with this post a link to one of my favorite songs, "Music is nothing less than a picture of the beloved"

Share your thoughts in the comment section ! 

P.S. - I have to credit JP with my  interest in John McLaughlin and his music, and thank him for opening my eyes to a wider world.