Grammy-nominee McFarlane is the composer and lutenist for Ayreheart, a Silver Spring-based band he founded a year ago. At its performances around the D.C. area, Ayreheart incorporates the lute’s Vivaldi-style folk, classical and jazz blend with today’s contemporary acoustic genres. Their debut CD, “One Morning,” was released in May. Ayreheart members play. …
Lute, base, percussion, and we usually hire a guest vocalist.
Where do you perform?
Primarily in Maryland, Virginia and Washington. We look forward to touring in the future, but we’re starting as a part of the local community.
How did you start playing lute?
I didn’t actually study lute at a conservatory. I picked it up off the street and from solo teachers.
What’s it sound like?
I connect the lute with popular and folk genres. Conservatories emphasize a classical and high-art tradition. I kept these ideas in my mind and bones. I’m definitely an active classical musician, but I’m enjoying a double life and connecting to my rock band roots.
I’ve never heard of the lute. Why do you play it?
The old music I played on guitar that I loved most was originally lute music; so I gravitated toward it. After spending time playing just Renaissance and Baroque, I started writing music for the lute because there’s little written post-18th century.
Tell me about your sound.
Ayreheart formed mainly to play this new lute music. Others are doing it attached to a university, making music that sounds harsh and edgy; but I don’t know anyone else writing in the style I’m writing: blending folk, classical, jazz and putting the lute into mainstream context.
Audiences take away. …
A lot to engage mind and emotion. Reactions have largely been “I never knew a lute could do that.”
Natalie Plumb
