July 31, 2008 by Jamal Mathis.

MUSIC NOW–Music Interview: Jamal Mathis
Isaac Joseph Davis Junior (Juniorcave.com)

             MUSIC NOW                                         

Junior’s Cave Online Magazine

Published: March 17, 2007 4:38 PM EST

Next to Gospel Music, Jazz Music has always been my favorite genre of music. Don’t get me wrong? I love all types of music and can definitely see where each type of music play an integral part in my life; but, for me, Jazz Music is what makes me feel alive next to Gospel. When I got a chance to interview any Jazz performer, I don’t hesitate. I bring you an exciting new interview with Jazz artist, Jamal Mathis.

Music Now: When and how did you first become interested in music? How long have you been playing music?

Jamal Mathis: I first became interested in music at the age of ten (10). What really got my attention was this girl whom I had a “crush” on was playing one of my favorite songs on the piano in a room by herself. I peeped in and discovered my calling. Since then, I have been playing music for about thirteen (13) years now.

Music Now: What are your musical influences?

Jamal Mathis: I’m trained in classical music and jazz. I also can play gospel music too. My influences are Claude Debussy, Francis Poulenc, Joe Sample, Jeff Lorber, and Kirk Franklin

Music Now: Does anyone in your family play music?

Jamal Mathis: My grandmother played piano, my dad recorded a single, my uncle plays trumpet, and his brother sings in the church choir. His son sung in a group and recorded numerous of albums. I have been acquainted with various styles of music growing up with them.

Music Now: When you are making music, describe how you are feeling?

Jamal Mathis: I write music in any feeling. If I have a story to tell, I try to compose a tune that’ll go along with it. In my music, I try to project feelings of energy, love, or whatever I’m feeling at that time.

Music Now: Why did you write or decide to play any of your songs?

Jamal Mathis: My first album: MUSIC IN THE MIX is an album that consists of various genres played in a jazzy style. I wanted to combine: pop, rock, funk, soul, and other genres into jazz. Jazz is Americas “classical” music.

Music Now: Why did you choose to play this kind of music?

Jamal Mathis: I love jazz. The best thing about jazz is “improvising”. Showing off my skills on stage is what I love to do, and jazz allows me to have the freedom to do it. Being classically trained opened my mind to jazz. Composers like: Beethoven, Listz, and Schubert were all great improvisers, and centuries later came composers like: Scott Joplin, Duke Ellington, Oscar Peterson, and Art Tatum. These composers music influenced me.

Music Now: What do you feel is missing in the music industry today?

Jamal Mathis: I feel there is a shortage of loyal people whom you can trust. Although everyone in the industry is not bad, but it’s hard to find someone who will not try to take advantage of you.

Music Now: Do you feel like you are a role model to others?

Jamal Mathis: I have a big influence at my church where I serve as an accompanist for the Young Praise Choir. A lot of them look up to me.

Music Now: What keeps you going even when times you feel like giving up?

Jamal Mathis: My personal relationship with God, and my family. They’ve encouraged me and have always been there from the beginning.

Music Now: What are some of the big projects you are working on?

Jamal Mathis: I’m currently working on a contemporary jazz album of hymn arrangements with a good friend of mine who is a great recording engineer.

Music Now: What can we expect from you in the next several years?

Jamal Mathis: I’m working on establishing my own music company where I can help up coming artists and musicians entering the industry.

Music Now: Any new releases, updates, or anything else you would like to tell our audience?

Jamal Mathis: You can keep up with me by visiting my website at www.jamalmathis.com. You can also purchase a copy of my first album: MUSIC IN THE MIX from the site too. To the audience, continue supporting good music, and we’ll continue making it. To the musicians, I want to encourage every musician to be versatile, and play in all styles efficiently; therefore, they’ll have no limits.

http://www.juniorscave.com/index187.html

Posted in Interviews, Music | Print | No Comments »

July 22, 2008 by Jamal Mathis.

I went back to the Patrick McGuire Recording Studio to record my song “MEMORIES” for the Thelonius Monk Composer’s Competition. The Patrick McGuire Studio is the studio I’ve recorded my debut album: MUSIC IN THE MIX. The composer competition requires one original composition that feature the saxophone. With the help of my friend and colleague Forrest Davis Jr., I came out with just that.

Forrest is a saxophonist whom I met through Myspace.com. We’ve been in contact for a while. I called him up a few weeks prior to the recording session we had. He said it would be no problem and was glad to help me out. I called the studio to see if they had any openings, but unfortunately the next available times were three months away. I really needed to have the recording done and sent in for the competition before next month’s deadline. I called again, and again until Patrick squeezed me in the following week for a two hour session that someone cancelled. I took it and told Forrest the date and time. I wrote his part and met up with him to do a rehearsal. We practiced together for about two and a half hours.

Once we got in the studio, we warmed up and decided what we was going to do. We went right into it and recorded about five takes before loading up and heading home. The session went smoothly. I had fun playing and working with Forrest on this short project. I’m for sure will be calling him again in the future. Maybe even to do a full instrumental album with him.

Anyway, listen to the recording of the song below. Forrest is featured on soprano saxophone. Enjoy.

“MEMORIES” by Jamal Mathis (Featuring Forrest Davis Jr. on Soprano Saxophone)

Posted in In the Studio, Music | Print | No Comments »

July 9, 2008 by Jamal Mathis.

After playing the first set, we took a break and went outside to cool off. I was having so much fun that I almost went overtime in the first set.

Outside, we took a few pictures and hanged out until the second set. I even forgot to get my plate of food that night. That rarely happens, but I guess hunger goes away when you’re having too much fun between sets. However, the show went on with the other guest on program. I didn’t even catch them on video since I was outside, but I did go back inside to catch their act every now and then. I was blessed by the “Wandering Mimes” and the “Wander Steppers”. They both represent God well in their ministry. I went back outside and noticed my father wanted to get me and the band in a motion picture. I was caught off guard and had no idea what to say, so I kind of had fun with it.

For the second and last set, we performed three jazz standard tunes. Things started to wrap up by the third and last tune. So, here is another one of my tunes we performed for the first set. Enjoy. I’ll talk to you next time.

Posted in Music, Shows & Events | Print | No Comments »