OHM ~ An amalgam of Eastern and Western musics
The instrument Jeffrey McFarland-Johnson plays in OHM is called the “Zitar” and is based on a design combining the sitar and the guitar by Niladri Kumar, who was born into a famous lineage of sitarists going back many generations. Pandit Kumar names his instrument with a “Z” instead of an “S” because it is electrified (can plug into an amplifier) and has 5-6 strings instead of 19-20 strings on a traditional sitar. Mr. McFarland-Johnson ordered his Zitar from a manufacturer in Mirjab, India and specified that he would like to keep the traditional 19-string sitar configuration; 6-playing strings and 13-sympathetic strings, because this retains the inherent sonic resonant quality of the sitar. The ringing echo of the sitar, with its buzzing javari sound, is a recognizable signature of the instrument that must not be eliminated just because it is electrified through amplification. The Zitar’s nineteen strings creates an alluring Eastern sound to the ear of the Western listener, a musical sound which still remains foreign to many because the sitar is not widely played in public in the West as compared to the guitar, mandolin, banjo, and the violin family. The Western ear is further removed from classical Indian music by the fact that the idea of “raga” is virtually nonexistent in Western culture. ‘Raga’ comes from the Sanskrit word “ranga,” meaning “color” or “atmosphere.” Conversely, in Indian music, the Western concept of harmony, or the vertical alignment of pitches stacked in thirds (Tersian Harmony), is completely void and nonexistent.
The concept of “raga” was first written about between the fifth and seventh centuries. The first book on music theory, Treatise on Harmony, was written by Jean-Philippe Rameau in 1722 and is still considered the definitive authority on Western music theory.
Solo Cello at Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Co., Napa, CA
Jeffrey McFarland-Johnson (JohnSong Music) Promo Montage
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Solo Cello at Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Co., Napa, CA
Jeffrey McFarland-Johnson plays solo cello every Friday morning, 9-11 a.m., at the Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Co., 1st & Main Sts., Napa, CA. This is a video montage of the unique vibe that takes place when he performs solo Bach suites, Dall'Abaco, Supriano, Hildegarde von Bingen, Gershwin, jazz, blues, and impromptu improvisations. Not to be missed! -
Jeffrey McFarland-Johnson (JohnSong Music) Promo Montage
Jeffrey McFarland-Johnson brief montage featuring cello (Napa Valley Duo w/Terry Winn), Zitar, Prince1 (music student) & Stratocaster guitar.
Email: info@johnsong.com
