Harp Music: Sacred, Classical, Jazz or Gospel?

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).Once he mastered the instrument, he set out to share his musical gift with others.  At 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 and 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.

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