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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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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November 9, 2009 by Jamal Mathis.

I’ve set up a small studio inside my bedroom at home with my laptop and keyboard as my equipment. I bought some recording and mixing software to record and produce my own work. All of my sample compositions are done right inside my home studio. I can record, mix, master, and produce quality music and burn it to CD for all to listen. The recording software I’m using is: SONY ACID MUSIC STUDIO 7.0. Very easy to use and already installed on my DELL laptop computer. My keyboard is a Yamaha YPG-535 with a USB drive built in the back of the board.

In using my laptop and keyboard, I also use a Lexicon Lambda audio interface to connect with my keyboard and computer. That way I can hear and listen to the music I’m working on. Plus, it allows me to write music for video. Therefore, if I have a TV or movie project to work on, I can use my home studio and equipment to compose and record right in my room. My software can import and export video and music files. So,if you need some music done, or just want me to write some tracks for you, I can do that right in my room. Just let me know.

Here is the walk in of my home studio in my bedroom. I took two pictures from my phone so you can check it out and see what I’m working with.

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August 4, 2008 by Jamal Mathis.

One of my favorite activities is to visit amusement parks. This summer, my younger sister came down from college to visit. We planned a trip to Six Flags over Texas. We rode pretty much everything out there except the bungi-jump. We had a fun and relaxing time. However, when we was younger, I tried to get her to ride the fast and thrilling rides with me, and now, it seems like she’d caught up with me. She’s not as afraid now when she was younger. I guess you just grow out of it and face your fears head on.

Anyway, we took some footage of some rides and attractions over the red tower. Take a look.

Of course, we had to encourage our mother to ride something before we left. So, we chose the “antique cars”. You’ll see the back of my head in this video because I’m driving. Check it out.

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