August 29, 2011 by Jamal Mathis.

Hello everyone! Jamal Mathis here. Sorry I’ve been so busy with things that I haven’t even wrote a blog post in almost a year. I at least try to write something new and exciting every other week within a month, but unfortunately life happens. Anyway, I’m back now and I’ve been working with a lot of people on music. I will be posting as things progress. However, this is what’s new now. Even though you can buy and download my music from my website, you can now buy if from this little widget store below. And you can also share it with others on facebook, myspace, twitter, etc. Take a look below and be sure to let me know what you think. Talk to you next time. (Jamal).

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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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June 16, 2010 by Jamal Mathis.

I wrote: “Malibu Sunrise” back in college when I was about nineteen. I recorded it for a class assignment project. This tune has an upbeat swing feel to it with a little taste of caribbean flavor. The instrumentation on this recording includes: Mandolin, keyboard (piano), electric bass, and drum set. Have a listen and check it out. Let me know what you think in your comments. It’s about ten years old, and in the future I’m going to add it on one of my albums. Let this be your pre-listen.

Jamal Mathis: “Malibu Sunrise”

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May 3, 2010 by Jamal Mathis.

Every year, ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) does a major music conference and workshop for their members and anyone who is willing to attend. The conference features interviews, live showcases of performers, one-on-one sessions, lectures regarding the music industry, and a networking reception. I’ve attended my first ASCAP EXPO this year, which was held at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel in LA California. The experience was very encouraging and motivational. Most of the information that was given at the EXPO was information I already know. However, to be up close and personal at the EXPO was very rewarding. I had a chance to meet and greet with top music executives, and various songwriters, composers, authors, and publishers.

This year’s EXPO conference was April 22-24. I arrived at the EXPO a day before just to get a feel of it. That day, I made sure I received my badge, and just walked around and did a few sight seeing round Hollywood Boulevard. When the next day came, the EXPO began, and it started with the ASCAP’s General Membership Meeting. Which was lectures on the current operations of ASCAP and the financial reports. It was also, highlighting the many ASCAP members careers in music and awards received within the previous and current year. Throughout the three days of the EXPO, I’ve attended meetings and lectures that I thought would be beneficial to advancing my career as a musician, artist, composer, publisher, songwriter, and producer.

The first day, I attended: The Membership Meeting, Making the scene as a TV composer, We Create Music (interviews of top producers, songwriters, and composers), Exploring the International Market, and the Networking Reception. On the next day, I attended: Music Licensing, To Feature Film Score, Emerging Writer Teams, Publishers & Writers/Artists Development, and Quincy Jones Interviewed by Ludacris. The final day, I attended: Copyright Issues, Production Music Libraries, Rocking the Cradle (writing music for children programs) and Bill Withers interviewed by Justin Timberlake.

The most valuable feedback I’ve received from this EXPO was to work very hard to get to where you want to be in this industry. No one will do it for you, you have to do it yourself. The secret is who you know in the industry that can be of assistance. It’s all about connections. For example, if you’re an independent film maker just starting out who needs a film composer to write the music for your film, how do you go about finding such a person? By word of mouth, asking your colleagues who they know or worked with, attending music conferences, and or calling/looking for ads in music magazines, and music trade publications for composers. Go where the stuff is happening, or take a business trip and network your butt off. Be sure to contact me if you need a composer, orchestrator, pianist, arranger, transcriber, or producer for your project at: www.jamalmathis.com.

March 14, 2010 by Jamal Mathis.

Back in May of last year, I performed at the Dallas Museum of Art with my band (Jamal Mathis Trio) for the second time. The first time was a remarkable experience because this venue is great for local exposure. I sold some of my CD’s and gave away posters. I also received a lot of names and e-mails added to my mailing list. This time, my band and I performed a full set of my previous album: MUSIC IN THE MIX, and we did another set of my new upcoming album. The music for the upcoming album is complete, so now we just have to record it and make it available. I’m thinking about a live recording this time, but I don’t know yet. Anyway, we jammed on the new tunes, and I think the response was greatly appreciated when the audience heard us perform them.

I enjoy performing at the Dallas Museum of Art. It’s large, wide, and open for crowds of people walking, browsing, and dinning. It gives much exposure. But I noticed that while we were playing, more people was coming inside the venue and didn’t know who we were. So every now and then during the set, I stood up and said a few words about me, the band, and the tunes we were performing. It was a little distracting when people was walking, but it was still fun. However, in small performing venues, it’s more intimate. I can concentrate on the audience, and the audience can concentrate on me.

Check us out on the videos below, and let me know how you like some of the new tunes for the upcoming album.

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March 1, 2010 by Jamal Mathis.

Just yesterday, I ministered to a woman’s prison. I was there to accompany my praise team to jump start the service. We ministered in song, praise dance, and word. The event was very high and emotional. The ladies in the prison are receptive and loves to praise and worship God. Before we could go inside to minister, we had to go through security. Just like at the airport. Once we walked in, the ladies stood up and applauded like we were the president. Before we ministered, we prayed and set everything up.

During the program, there was laughter, cries, shouts, claps, and hugs. I even shed some tears because I was touched. By the end, we all had a chance to talk with the ladies and encourage them. They were even begging me to come back and minister to them again at least every now and them. I told them I’ll pray about that. Although it was my first time, I enjoyed it.

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February 24, 2010 by Jamal Mathis.

It was a regular day on that Monday (Feb. 22, 2010) when my vehicle clutch pedal went out. I was about to bag out of my parking space when all of a sudden, the clutch pedal was stuck to the floor and wouldn’t come up. I was glad that I wasn’t stranded on the side of the road. I went back inside and called the auto service company to come out and tow my vehicle to get it fixed. I asked them how much would it cost to get it fixed, and they told me around $65o.00, but if I had to get the clutch pedal replaced, it would be between $1200-$1300. I knew that would set me back a bit, but praise God, my total bill was $776.28. My clutch didn’t have to be replaced, the cylinder of the clutch needed to be fixed. All the other fees was for labor, towing, and parts. I needed a vehicle to get from point A to point B, so it didn’t take a long time for them to fix the vehicle.

When the towing company came to my place to tow the vehicle, the auto service company was about to close, so we headed back to another auto service company so they can fix it. It was on the other side of town. When we arrived, most of the mechanics weren’t present for me to talk to, so I called there main phone line and spoke with a representative. Unfortunately, I had to keep the vehicle their so they can work on it the next day, but it was done. The towing company dropped me back home, and during the way, I started a conversation with him. His name was Mark. He was a cool guy, and really enjoyed his job. I invited him to one of my upcoming shows so he can check me and my band out. He gladly accepted and said he would also invite his family.

I didn’t know from a minor breakdown of my vehicle, I would make a connection. However, all things happen for a reason right? So from now on, I’m going to take life as it comes. No matter what happens good or bad, I will look for the positive out of every situation. How about you? Let me know if you experienced something like this. Talk to you later.

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February 7, 2010 by Jamal Mathis.

Barnabas Oroka Wamao comes to you as a chaste Tenor, second Born of the wamao’s ABC. Abigael, Barnabas, and cleopas. Barnabas is a mold of his late father (Wilfred Wamao Ongwenyi.) A musician, a teacher and Izri choir director, he captivated his son to that love of sacred songs. Barnabas hails from the great Republic of Kenya, he is a major vocalist, song writer, and producer. Praise to be almighty! Psalm 100. Currently Barnabas is working on an album “Footsteps” a solemn tribute to a man who God chose to give talent and then decided to split it in half for his son. Songs on the album are total collections of hymns that dad loved to train his choir and fortunately they happen to be those loved by most congregations. These specific hymns talk about love, peace, true and, dedication to our maker. However, have been rearranged from their original style to the next level. Many artists might perceive hymns as a forgotten case, but to Barnabas they are food to his soul, a parody uprooted from his father. “Dad’s volume 8 cassette always makes me want to cry” “Footsteps” cd would not come any better time than this, when our current society is so pe perplexed. Barnabas is tirelessly working to make sure his peers get to that kingdom of heaven, he also hopes that this music he presents will speak life to your dead issues. Barnabas first took stage at 10 with a junior choir that his dad began to train when no one else could at Nyanchwa Seventh Day Schools. (Naps) they ended up recording a single. Since then Barnabas has not rested on pulling together musical notes, in high school he joined men’s chorus later joined the jazz and ensemble which travelled to Carnegie Hall in New York City 2005. Later back in Minnesota he had a tremendous opportunity to sing in the Ordway performing Arts Center. In November 2008, Barnabas collaborated with Jamal Mathis a jazz legend (Pianist, Composer and Producer) and other gospel singers at the Dallas Convention Center for a benefit Concert. Barnabas is also looking forward to teaming up with R&J on an upcoming cd the duet (….) Barnabas is so glad to take the advent word in this generation, be it any day of the week, any minute of the hour or any second of a minute. He’s always prepared. Barnabas’s style music is being shaped day by day and hoping to be bring you more soulful music. He is unstoppable and surely this cd won’t be his last. “Foosteps” cd release. Coming to stores near you 2010. Stay tuned and May the Lord meet your needs today. “I encourage each and all to listen to music as much as you use water, for it is essential to your soul” -Barnabas Oroka Wamao

For more information, visit: http://www.myspace.com/bwamao

http://www.bwamao.com

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January 24, 2010 by Jamal Mathis.

CD Baby will donate $1 toward Haitian earthquake relief for every CD and album download I sell online.

The earthquake and its aftermath in Haiti have touched all of our lives. Many have already contributed as individuals, but we can always do more to help the victims of the horrible earthquake tragedy. By purchasing my music on CD Baby, you can help raise funds towards those affected by the disaster.

Starting on Monday, January 25th and continuing for two weeks, CD Baby will donate $1 of their cut from every CD sale through the website, and $1 from every download sale over $8.99 on the site, to the American Red Cross and to Mercy Corps, a Portland-based relief organization with a large presence in Haiti. With your help, they hope to raise tens of thousands of dollars.

Please donate directly
I also urge you to make your own direct donation if you haven’t done so yet. Together, we can make a difference. Please click below to make your tax deductible donation right now.

Mercy Corps donation form
http://links.mkt1524.com/ctt?kn=3&m=34573305&r=OTA1MzkwOTE1S0&b=2&j=NjQ3Mjg1MjUS1&mt=1&rt=0

American Red Cross donation form
http://links.mkt1524.com/ctt?kn=11&m=34573305&r=OTA1MzkwOTE1S0&b=2&j=NjQ3Mjg1MjUS1&mt=1&rt=0

Text “Haiti” to 90999 and a $10 donation will be charged to your phone bill.

To purchase my music on CD Baby, visit these links below:

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jamalryan

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jamalmathis

I thank you for helping out during this time of great human tragedy in Haiti.

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