MUSIC NOW–Interview

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 »