My music is written with one goal in mind: to improvise. It's like explaining a great story in words, but without words, much faster than you could with words. It's like a direct line of instantaneous communication where you don't have to wait for the end.

In this quote, Allan Holdsworth explains the essence of his music and its primary purpose: to improvise. Holdsworth emphasizes that his musical approach is about creating spontaneous, organic compositions rather than relying on pre-written structures. By focusing on improvisation, his music allows for a unique and immediate form of expression that captures the emotions and ideas of the moment, rather than following a set formula or predefined structure.

He compares this approach to telling a great story, but without the use of words. In this analogy, Holdsworth suggests that music can convey messages and emotions as effectively as words, but in a much faster, more fluid way. Just as a storyteller crafts a narrative with words, a musician creates a narrative with sound, but the process of delivering that message is instantaneous and unfiltered in music.

Holdsworth further elaborates that his music is a form of instantaneous communication. This highlights how music, particularly when improvised, can connect the musician and the listener in real time. There is no need to wait for the end of a song or the conclusion of a story—communication happens continuously, with every note played creating an immediate emotional response.

Ultimately, Holdsworth’s quote reflects his belief in the power of improvisation as a mode of expression and communication. He views music as a direct line of communication, one that allows for faster and more immediate emotional exchanges than words ever could, and he cherishes the freedom and creativity that come with this form of musical interaction.