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Archive for the Life Category

“THAT MAN” my new single with Estrella Delgadillo

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

Posted in In the Studio, Activities, Life, Music, Uncategorized | Print | No Comments »

Motown Records & Jackson Family Home Trip

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!!!…

Posted in Family & Home, Places & Travel, Activities, Life, Music, Uncategorized | Print | No Comments »

Prison Ministry

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.

Posted in Activities, Life, Music, Shows & Events, Uncategorized | Print | No Comments »

Car Trouble

February 24, 2010 by Jamal Mathis.

My Vehicle

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.

Posted in Life, Uncategorized | Print | No Comments »

Please Help Me Support Haiti!!!

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.

Posted in Life, Music, Uncategorized | Print | No Comments »

A CALL TO ACTION

May 4, 2008 by Jamal Mathis.

I received an e-mail from ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, & Publishers) regarding the ‘Bill of Rights for Songwriters & Composers’! I decided to spread the word about it by posting it in my blog. Please support this for those who create the music you love and enjoy. Thanks for all your support. (Jamal Mathis)

A CALL TO ACTION - SIGN THE ‘BILL OF RIGHTS FOR
SONGWRITERS & COMPOSERS’!

Given the many issues that surround the music industry today, it can be easy for those who are the source of it all - songwriters and composers - to get lost in the shuffle. That’s why ASCAP is calling on music creators to offer their support of a critical new advocacy initiative. Earlier this month, ASCAP launched ‘A Bill of Rights for Songwriters and Composers,’ designed to remind the public, members of the music industry and U.S. legislators of the central role and rights of those who conceive and create music. This important awareness-building initiative centers around 10 core principles, including “We have the right to be compensated for the use of our creative works, and share in the revenues that they generate” and “We have the right to license our works and control the ways in which they are used.” The full text of the Bill of Rights (included at the end of this article) is posted to the ASCAP website - along with an online petition where music creators can electronically sign to demonstrate their support. The rights laid out in the Bill, all of which are already inherent in the act of music creation and protected by U.S. copyright law, are increasingly under threat as competing interests argue over the future of the business of music - and as growing numbers of individuals bypass payment altogether to illegally share music online. Said ASCAP President and Chairman and Academy Award-winning lyricist, Marilyn Bergman, “Our goal is to remind lawmakers, the general public and music creators themselves of the rights that are inherent in their art. We simply cannot allow the original source of all music to be forgotten. Our rights must be considered in all conversations about the future of the music industry and the future of copyright law.” Over 1,000 Signatures and Counting The ‘Bill of Rights for Songwriters and Composers’ debuted during ASCAP “I Create Music” Week at the 25th Annual Pop Music Awards held on April 9, 2008. It was then formally introduced to attendees of the third annual ASCAP “I Create Music” EXPO, held in Los Angeles from April 10-12. In just the first few days, more than 500 signatures were collected, including such recognizable names as Lionel Richie, Stacy “Fergie” Ferguson, Justin Timberlake, Desmond Child, Jackson Browne, Steve Miller, Marilyn Bergman, Alan Bergman, Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller, Chamillionaire, Keri Hilson, Johnta Austin and John Rzeznik.Since that time, other legends have added their names and their support - including Tony Bennett, Quincy Jones, Paul Williams and Hal David - as well as hundreds of additional signatures online. Currently at over 1,000 signatures and counting, the Bill of Rights for Songwriters and Composers is gaining serious momentum.As part of this initiative, ASCAP also wrote a perspective piece on the relevance and importance of music copyright protection, titled “Music Copyright in the Digital Age: A Position Paper.” This paper offers straight-forward explanations of how copyright law impacts music creators, and may be viewed and downloaded from ASCAP’s websibe.

Sign the Bill - Spread the Word

“The signatures that we collect on this Bill of Rights for Songwriters and Composers will be shared with key legislators in Washington, as well as numerous other leaders both inside and outside the music industry,” said ASCAP CEO John A. LoFrumento. “Now is the time to ensure that everyone who has a stake in determining the future of music, both as an art and as an industry, recognizes the importance of protecting creators’ rights.”

Those who wish to add their support to the Bill can sign it electronically.

ASCAP encourages its members to help spread the word! Share the URL http://www.ascap.com/rights/ and encourage everyone you know to sign their support!

A BILL OF RIGHTS
FOR SONGWRITERS AND COMPOSERS
Created by ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers

Just as citizens of a nation must be educated about their rights to ensure that they are protected and upheld, so too must those who compose words and music know the rights that support their own acts of creation. Without these rights, which directly emanate from the U.S. Constitution, many who dream of focusing their talents and energies on music creation would be economically unable to do so - an outcome that would diminish artistic expression today and for future generations. At this time, when so many forces are seeking to diminish copyright protections and devalue artistic expression, this Bill of Rights for Songwriters and Composers looks to clarify the entitlements that every music creator enjoys.

1.) We have the right to be compensated for the use of our creative works, and share in the revenues that they generate.

2.) We have the right to license our works and control the ways in which they are used.

3.) We have the right to withhold permission for uses of our works on artistic, economic or philosophical grounds.

4.) We have the right to protect our creative works to the fullest extent of the law from all forms of piracy, theft and unauthorized use, which deprive us of our right to earn a living based on our creativity.

5.) We have the right to choose when and where our creative works may be used for free.

6.) We have the right to develop, document and distribute our works through new media channels - while retaining the right to a share in all associated profits.

7.) We have the right to choose the organizations we want to represent us and to join our voices together to protect our rights and negotiate for the value of our music.

8.) We have the right to earn compensation from all types of “performances,” including direct, live renditions as well as indirect recordings, broadcasts, digital streams and more.

9.) We have the right to decline participation in business models that require us to relinquish all or part of our creative rights - or which do not respect our right to be compensated for our work.

10.) We have the right to advocate for strong laws protecting our creative works, and demand that our government vigorously uphold and protect our rights.

Posted in Life, Music | Print | No Comments »

Happy 26th Birthday Jamal Mathis

April 1, 2008 by Jamal Mathis.

Yes April first is my birthday. No joke. Most people can’t believe it, but it’s true. I am twenty-six today and still feel like I’m twenty-one. People asked me, “So how do you feel?” I always wondered why people ask that question when you turn a year older. Is it just a tradition?, or are you suppose to feel something when it’s your birthday? I responded, “well I’m just wiser now than I was yesterday”. I kept my schedule open just in case my family wanted to surprise me.

My parents gave me a birthday card and attached it with a Sears gift card. I guess I’ll be going shopping soon. My younger sister, now going to College in Michigan said, she was going to call me and mail to me twenty-six birthday licks to Texas. The last one being the hardest. We always do this on each of our birthday’s. Don’t worry, I don’t hit her hard anyway. Don’t know what my older sister got plan, but I’m sure she got something underneath her sleave.

For myself, I’m just going to enjoy the day and reflect on the goodnees and faithfulness of God and His favor over the past years for bringing me this far by faith. Here are a few situations on how God brought me:

1.) Just graduated from High School and had no desire to attend college. (May 2000)

My dad persuaded me to attend a Junior College for a semester. I attended and met so many friends that I decided to go all the way. I received a Performing Musician for Commercial Music Certificate (December 2002)

2.) Just wanted to get out of the house (August 2003)

I transferred to a University to experience a home away from home. Got an apartment with a roomate for a semester or two.

3.) Roomate left me to pay the full rent by myself for a two bedroom apartment for $550.00 a month. (August 2004)

Put my faith to work. I prayed to God for wisdom in this situation, and He told me to move out and get my own place. I applied for the next available one bedroom apartment. To make a long story short, I was offered the apartment and another job to pay for the rent on my own.

4.) Graduated and couldn’t believe it (August 2006)

Thought I would never make it, but I did. Graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance. Praised God for bringing me this far by faith.

Now with my debut album completed too, I know I can do all things through Christ Jesus that gives me strength. So I believe all things are possible and I also believe that through my experiences, I have grown and matured. So all praise and glory to God Almighty.