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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October 28, 2008 by Jamal Mathis.

Violinist/Recording Engineer Ryan Smith is a good friend of mine. We met at Cedar Valley College where we both attended classes for music. About two years ago, I had a show and I asked Ryan if he wanted to play with me on his violin while I accompany him on the keyboard. He agreed. After the show, the audience congratulated us on a job well done, and thought we actually had an album out together because we work well with each other. After that response of the audience, Ryan and I discussed about doing a jazz hymn album for violin and piano. We decided to arrange hymns that are in the P.D. (public domain). We also wanted to put a few of our original works in the album as well. We got together as much as we could and decided on the songs, how we were going to market the recording, and everything else in between.

Little by little we wrote, recorded, edited, and added each song and tune for the recording, until we both were satisfied with the result. The process has been long and challenging because on occasion we’d have to go on hiatus to rejuvenate, reschedule, and sometimes cancel because of some other engagement. However, we both were consistent and persistent to get the album done even when it took us two years to complete. Now we have finally completed the album, and we have released two singles from the album for download. The two singles are: “COME, THOU FOUNT“, and “JESUS LOVES ME“. We are releasing the full album as a digital release first, then once we generate much buzz and response, we’ll release the full album as a CD. Currently, we are working on the album cover for the CD. We both decided to call the album: “Faith, Hope & Love“.

It has been fun working with Ryan on this project. We plan on performing at churches with this album around the Dallas and Fort Worth metroplex. Therefore, if your church have any special events or programs, Ryan and I would love to be a part of it. Just contact me at: WWW.JAMALMATHIS.COM Thanks, and I’ll be in touch regarding our release date.

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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)

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