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.
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!
The American music audience no longer insists that the harp is just for classical music thanks to breakthrough artists like jazz/gospel harpist Jeff Majors.
Now a well-known and much-appreciated African-American artist/composer/harpist, 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).
Along with Alice Coltrane, Mr. Majors credits the late Dorothy Ashby (1930 -1986) with influencing his musical style. These ladies proved that the classical harp instrument could be easily and effortlessly integrated into jazz compositions. Once Mr. Majors mastered the instrument, he set out to share his musical gift with others. Through collaborative efforts with other artists, he has set to music some of the Psalms written by King David.
FUN FACT: Mr. Majors named his harp "Hanifah". (A female given name: from an Arabic word meaning “true believer”.)
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