Showing posts with label gifts for music lovers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gifts for music lovers. Show all posts

30 May 2023

Harp Music: Sacred, Classical, or Jazz?

The harp is mentioned more often in the Bible than any other musical instrument.

The harp is an earthly instrument with a heavenly sound. It can soothe a troubled soul.


At one time there was a debate about whether or not the harp was solely a religious musical instrument. 

But thanks to breakthrough musicians like Jeff Majors ... 

The question mark is now a period!

Harp music will always be used as religious music, but it is no longer used ONLY FOR religious music.  That's because talented harpists like Jeff Majors use his instrument to play all of the genres:  sacred, classical, jazz, and gospel.

In Jewish history, it is written that when King Saul was tormented, he asked for someone to play the harp for him to calm his spirit. A young harpist named David was recommended. The lad was surely an extraordinarily talented musician because he was often summoned to play for the king to relieve his distress. When David grew up, he succeeded Saul as the second king of ancient Israel. Music continued to be an integral part of his life, and in addition to being an accomplished harpist, he also wrote psalms (songs).

Unfortunately, none of the harp music of King David was preserved, so we can only imagine what those hauntingly beautiful and caressing melodies may have sounded like.

Fortunately, Jeff Majors is a harpist with a great imagination!

He is a uniquely gifted harpist. Possibly the best in this generation!

Jeff Majors followed his dream. Literally. He actually had a dream about playing the harp and decided he would learn. He was taught by the late Alice Coltrane (1937 -2007), jazz pianist and harpist, and the spouse of the legendary John Coltrane (1926 -1967). Once he mastered the instrument, he set out to share his musical gift with others.  On his official website, you can read about his journey: from forming jazz bands to hosting a radio ministry to reaching millions through his television program, “The Gospel of Music with Jeff Majors”.

Along with Alice Coltrane, Mr. Majors credits the late Dorothy Ashby (1930 -1986) with influencing his musical style. The ladies Ashby and Coltrane proved that the classical harp instrument could be easily and effortlessly integrated into jazz compositions. Through collaborative efforts with other artists, he has set to music some of the Psalms written by King David. Many of his admirers know him for his interpretation of Psalm 23, which he performed at the memorial service for Coretta Scott King. 

Majors’ music is categorized as Jazz Contemporary Gospel, and sometimes New Age. If you have not heard of this exceptionally talented musician, then it may come as a surprise to discover that his first album, “Sacred”, was released in 1998. That is correct. He and Hanifah have been around for over a decade. 

  • Hanifah is the name of his harp. ( A female given name: from an Arabic word meaning “true believer” .) 
In 2006, he was invited to perform on the Oprah Winfrey Show.You know what they say. When you make it to Oprah, for sure the world knows you now! You are officially on the map!

So did I learn about Jeff Majors watching Ms. O? No. It was a couple of years ago. I fell asleep one night and my husband stayed up watching the television. I started having a wonderful dream. I won't share my dream. It's private. But when I willed myself to wake up, I heard this gentle soothing melody floating through the air. Curiously I peeked to see what my husband was watching. Jeff Majors was on TV playing the harp. Lucky for me, my husband recorded the program on video tape so we can view it again and again and again.


Two Questions

After discovering Jeff Majors and doing research to learn more, there are only two questions remaining that are unanswered.

* Question 1:  Why no Grammy?

* Question 2:  If you had a harp, what would you name her?



Original source
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23 November 2020

“Mary, Did you Know?” - incredible acappella version by the Pentatonix

Diary Note: Today is November 21, 2014. Woke up this morning, charged up and ready to face the day. Checked my eMail and my husband's aunt had sent me this. Gotta admit it made me slow down, take a deep breath, and START MY DAY ALL OVER AGAIN!!!  Ever heard of this website. GodVine? I never heard of it. Know it now! :)

Blessings to all!!
Here Is One A Cappella Song That'll Give You Chills. THIS Is What CHRISTmas Is All About!

03 November 2019

Gift for Music Lovers: Aretha Franklin is Still Queen

Aretha Louise Franklin 

(Mar 25, 1942 – Aug 16, 2018) 

“The Queen Of Soul”


"When it comes to listening to the undisputed Queen of Soul, no persuasion is needed. ... Her vocal performances never disappoint."

Con't reading ...

Gifts for Music Lovers : Aretha Franklin Sings The Great Diva Classics






Inner Life of Music

© Photographer: Agsandrew | Agency: Dreamstime.com

Aretha Franklin birthplace at 406 Lucy Avenue ... 
Aretha Franklin birthplace at 406 Lucy Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee. (Snow flurries in the pictures.) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)


01 August 2019

Women in History : The Story of Santa Lucia

Awesome find resulting from my “one thing leads to another” Internet travels. Searching for HUBs written by fellow freelance writer and blogger, Susan Duffy on HUBPages, and clicked the link on her profile which led me to her website, Senior at Large In a Sicilian Kitchen (published at susanduffy.com).  Her writings are impressive.  And … she’s from  Australia!  Never been there.  It’s on my bucket list.  But have crossed paths online with some really cool people who live there.


Image credit:  Lucy Before the Judge By Lorenzo Lotto, 1523–32 - Self-scanned, Public Domain, Link


Have you ever heard performers sing the song "Santa Lucia"?  I have heard it performed but never knew who the woman or that she was, in fact, a real person.  Just read a horrific story about a woman who is now honored as Santa Lucia.  Her remains were finally laid to rest in Siracusa (Syracuse).  “Venice was home to her for so long that the gondoliers’ song “Santa Lucia”, originally from Naples, has become part of that city’s identity.”

Santa Lucia












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07 February 2019

Jackie Evancho - YouTube Channel

Just subscribed to this music channel. Yeah, I'm late to the party.  Should have done it ages ago.  But better late than never!



It is such a pleasure to see her continue to blossom and grow.  I know the mention of this flower likely provokes another cherished memory in your mind ("Sound of Music"), but it would not that far of a stretch to compare her to edelweiss






Here is another magical performance. It's on her album Awakening.

Jackie Evancho - The Rains of Castamere



***

● The Sound of Music : What Became of the Von Trapp Children?

It's 2017; approximately 2 years since these events occurred. I missed the entire 2015 Oscars Awards and the next day's entertainment news reports had nothing but praise for Lady Gaga who delivered a flawless performance of songs from The Sound of Music which were first performed by Julie Andrews.

25 July 2017

Music Lovers : Bobby McFerrin & Richard Bona Collaboration

In America we call Nat King Cole “the man with the velvet voice”. Well! If the late Mr. Cole's voice is velvet. Then the voice of Richard Bona is as smooth as silk. He hails from the Cameroon. Whoever thought to pair him up with Bobby McFerrin for a duet was a genius!  McFerrin's voice is satin.  Silk and satin.  You can't beat that! 






Excellent collaboration and stellar performance by two consummate artists. Men who know their music and can share its beauty with the world. Amazing voices.




Medicine Music : Bobby McFerrin (Album)









Dina Lam : Richard Bona (Album Version)





Related or Similar Links:

Gifts for Music Lovers: Duke Ellington Album: Far East Suite

A duke is like a sovereign prince or a nobleman. What an appropriate nickname for him. Calling this man "mister" or "sir" just seems so inadequate and uncomplimentary for one of America's most influential jazz ambassadors. "Ellington was an outstanding composer.

Gifts for Music Lovers: Duke Ellington Album: Far East Suite

A duke is like a sovereign prince or a nobleman. What an appropriate nickname for him. Calling this man "mister" or "sir" just seems so inadequate and uncomplimentary for one of America's most influential jazz ambassadors. "Ellington was an outstanding composer.


Gifts for Music Lovers : Aretha Franklin Sings The Great Diva Classics

"As of 2016, Aretha Franklin still holds the record for the most hits on the Billboard Hot 100 ... she is still on the road and performing in her 74th year." (Even though her doctors advise her to take it easy.) * * Quote source: "FUV Essentials: Aretha Franklin." WFUV.

Gifts for Music Lovers : Aretha Franklin Sings The Great Diva Classics

"As of 2016, Aretha Franklin still holds the record for the most hits on the Billboard Hot 100 ... she is still on the road and performing in her 74th year." (Even though her doctors advise her to take it easy.) * * Quote source: "FUV Essentials: Aretha Franklin." WFUV.


Gifts for Music Lovers: Artists Collaboration | Linda Rondstadt and Aaron Neville

There are so many male tenors in the entertainment industry and no doubt if one is mentioned by name, somebody will readily respond with an alternative or comparable singer and say ~ Yeah, he's alright but I just love _________. Nevertheless I am going to resort to name-calling because this guy's voice even impressed Linda Ronstadt .

Gifts for Music Lovers: Artists Collaboration | Linda Rondstadt and Aaron Neville

There are so many male tenors in the entertainment industry and no doubt if one is mentioned by name, somebody will readily respond with an alternative or comparable singer and say ~ Yeah, he's alright but I just love _________. Nevertheless I am going to resort to name-calling because this guy's voice even impressed Linda Ronstadt .


Gifts for Music Lovers: Carlos Santana: Ultimate Guitar Hero

Jingle Jangle Jungle is a fabulous music entertainment blog that publishes interesting tidbits about music, artists and the stories behind them. Per JJJ: " ... the sound of Carlos Santana is one of the world's best-known musical signatures. ..."

Gifts for Music Lovers: Carlos Santana: Ultimate Guitar Hero

Jingle Jangle Jungle is a fabulous music entertainment blog that publishes interesting tidbits about music, artists and the stories behind them. Per JJJ: " ... the sound of Carlos Santana is one of the world's best-known musical signatures. ..."

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