September 29, 2010 by Jamal Mathis.

A few months ago, I entered into a new Thelonious Monk International Jazz Composer Competition. The competition guideline says the composition must feature voice. Literally, I am not a singer so I got in touch with Estrella Delgadillo who is an inspiring pianist and an excellent vocalist. We both collaborated on this song. She wrote the lyrics and I wrote the music. Originally, I already had the music ready even before I called Estrella and entered into this competition with her. The music was for another song I arranged for another vocalist of mine I’ve been working with. They didn’t feel the music for the song, so I asked their permission if I could use it for another song with another vocalist, and it was cool with them. I will not mention his name. Anyway, Estrella is a natural lyricist, she can just hear a tune and immediately write words to flow with the rhythm. She always wanted to work with me on music, so I saw this as an opportunity to work with her for this competition.

When I let Estrella hear the tune, she got the concept of a woman trying to pursue a man, and within a couple of hours, she wrote the lyrics and our song was completed just in time. We were tight on schedule because we had to record the song and send it in before the competition deadline of August sixth. I called the Patrick McGuire Recording Studio in Arlington, Texas and set up a two hour session on August first. (Patrick McGuire Studio was the studio I recorded my debut album: MUSIC IN THE MIX with my jazz trio band Jamal Mathis Trio). I wrote the sheet music for the song and sent it in with the recording that Estrella sung. We let everyone we know hear and listen to the song Estrella and I wrote and we’ve been receiving nothing but good news and feedback from everyone. Within a few weeks, people been telling us when will this be out and available for a single? Please do something with it etc…. Estrella and I decided to take their word and send it to CD Baby for distribution as a single download only. It is now up and running and ready for millions to hear and download for only $2.00. You can listen to the full song on the video below, and follow along with the lyrics that Estrella wrote. Enjoy. Thank you all for your support.

P.S., by the way, we didn’t win the competition, but it was still a good story and a good idea. I’m glad Estrella and I had the chance to work, write, and record together. We are now currently working on more songs, and will be performing in many events in the future together. Be sure to download the song here: Download the full song “THAT MAN” by Estrella Delgadillo & Jamal Mathis here.

 
THAT MAN

Jamal Mathis | MySpace Music Videos

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September 8, 2010 by Jamal Mathis.

It has now been one year ago since the legendary musical icon Michael Jackson had died. He was the only artist I’ve imitated when I was a kid back in the day. Dancing as he did while playing his song: “Billie Jean” and doing the moonwalk. When I had heard the news, I was shocked and appalled. I started to think who was behind this tragedy. It was hard to believe that he had passed away like he did. I’ll admit, I shed a few tears when his daughter said a few words about him at his memorial service. That was very touching. No one will ever come close to his talent, and I doubt that anyone will ever surpass him. He has set the bar very high for the next soon to be musical icon. My favorite performances of his was: “Billie Jean” at the Motown 25, and the Superbowl halftime show.I had the chance to visit his small humbled beginnings in Gary, Indiana. 2300 Jackson Street, was where the Jackson’s lived and began their musical journey. It was an honor just viewing their house from the outside. While I stood their gazing, I heard loud music from across the street. Some of the neighborhood people were selling posters of Michael Jackson, and his music. They know tourist stop by and take pictures of the house and stuff, so now it’s sort of like a tourist site. I’m sure the Jackson’s still own the house and everything, but I’m assuming just to remember Michael’s passing, the neighborhood people wanted to honor him as well. Here are a few of the pictures I took from my phone.

I also visited the original Motown Records building founded by Berry Gordy Jr. Just to be on the scene taking pictures and seeing it in the flesh made me realize that you don’t have to have a big studio or room to produce a good professional recording. They purchased the building on a $2000.00 dollar loan and began its journey. Here are a few more pictures that I took on my phone. Enjoy!!!…

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