I remember seeing McCoy Tyner in concert, and thinking that the music was incredible, but wanting to be invited in. I figured that humor was the way of letting the audience in. I've gotten a hard time about it, but I love to be funny onstage.

In this quote, John Lurie reflects on his experience watching McCoy Tyner in concert and how it inspired him to connect more deeply with the audience through humor. Lurie was struck by the incredible music but felt a desire to be invited in—to create a deeper connection with the audience. He realized that humor could be a way to break down the barrier between the performer and the listeners, allowing them to feel more involved in the performance. Humor, in Lurie's mind, is a tool to create a more engaging and personal experience for the audience.

Lurie’s approach to performance contrasts with more traditional, serious portrayals of jazz and music, where the focus is purely on the technical or emotional depth of the art. By choosing to be funny onstage, Lurie takes a more lighthearted and inclusive approach to performance, inviting the audience to join him in the experience rather than simply being passive observers. His mention of getting a “hard time” suggests that not everyone understood or appreciated his use of humor in an art form often associated with seriousness, but Lurie embraces it as an essential part of his artistic expression.

The origin of this quote likely stems from Lurie's own career as a musician and actor, where he has built a reputation for blending artistic depth with humor. Lurie’s multifaceted career, including his work in the Lounge Lizards band and his acting roles, has often involved a mix of the absurd and the serious, reflecting his personal belief in the power of humor to make art more accessible and enjoyable. This perspective also likely comes from his experiences in performing and seeing other artists, like McCoy Tyner, and realizing how humor could enhance the connection between the performer and the audience.

Ultimately, Lurie’s quote speaks to the idea that humor can be a powerful tool for connection in live performance. It suggests that even in serious art forms, a little humor can go a long way in creating an environment where the audience feels more engaged and less like outsiders. Lurie’s willingness to be funny onstage reflects his belief in the importance of balancing depth with playfulness, making his performances unique and accessible to a wider audience.