Jamal Mathis

Artist Information

Biography

Jamal Frank Mathis, an active Pianist/Composer/Producer grew up in Dallas, Texas. He is the second born child of Willie and Alice Mathis. He has two siblings: Jemilah and Kamila Mathis. His interest in music began at the early age of ten. While taking piano lessons, Jamal performed in eight annual piano recitals and was awarded for completing the John W. Schaum Piano Course from Jan Thompson Music Studio in April of 2002. He never knew that playing the piano would have a powerful effect on him. As a result, he performed in various events, private functions, weddings, and banquets. He has been given numerous awards for his achievements and dedication to his church (City Temple S.D.A. Church) where he serves as the accompanist for Young Praise Choir. By age sixteen, his skills and repertoire increased when he discovered the art of composing music. During his discovery, Jamal composed samples of tunes and melodies on his own, and wrote them down in his music notebook. His first composition was "MEMORIES" (the last tune on his debut CD: MUSIC IN THE MIX). His music is described as memorable in melody with aesthetical harmonies and groovy dance rhythms. In other words (entertaining, uplifting, upbeat, energetic....). In composing, he always had a story to tell. Each one of his compositions has a unique history or story behind it. Most are inspired, but the majorities are true stories or events in his life. When Jamal performs, he makes the piano "sing". He captures his audiences' emotions with every pluck, lick, and touch on the keyboard whether he's playing solo, or with other musicians. In every performance, his purpose is to leave his audience wanting more and shouting "ENCORE, ENCORE, ENCORE!!!".


His love for performing and composing led him to study jazz and music composition at Cedar Valley College. He earned a Certificate of Completion for Performing Musician in Commercial Music on December 12, 2002. He later transferred to Andrews University and earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance on August 6, 2006. Jamal's influences are: Domenico Scarlatti, Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert, Frederic Chopin, Franz Liszt, Edvard Grieg, Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, and Francis Poulenc. He also listened and was influenced by artists like Scott Joplin, Oscar Peterson, Art Tatum, Count Basie, Thomas "Fats" Waller, Duke Ellington, James Brown, B.B. King, and Ramsey Lewis, to contemporary artists like Arlington Jones, Joe Sample, Jeff Lorber, Kirk Franklin, and Yolanda Adams. Being acquainted with various styles of music from his background and influences is one reason this native from Dallas is a "soon-to-be" legend. Now and in the future, Jamal wants to work with various musicians and help new and up coming artists entering the music industry. He joined ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) as a publisher in 2006, and as a writer in 2007. Jamal gives God all the credit and glory for his success and accomplishments.

"I want to encourage every musician to be versatile and play in all styles efficiently; therefore, they'll have no limits." -- JAMAL MATHIS

Instrumentation

Jamal Mathis -- Solo (Piano/Keyboards) or
Jamal Mathis Trio -- 3 piece jazz band. (Piano, Bass, Drums)

Discography

MUSIC IN THE MIX (Released November 2006)

MUSIC AVAILABLE ON:

-- Apple iTunes
-- Audio Lunchbox
-- Buy Music
-- Chondo.net
-- Digstation.com
-- iSound
-- Music is here
-- Napster
-- Palmares
-- Pass Along
-- PayPlay
-- Puretracks
-- Rhapsody
-- Tradebit

RADIO AIRPLAY:

*Inspirational Jazz (http://www.live365.com/stations/cmtravel)

*Bluzz Radio/Kanal Jazz (http://www.live365.com/stations/kanaljazz)

*KNYO-LP 107.7 FM (http://www.noyoradio.com/)

*KNON 89.3 Community Radio (http://www.knon.org/)

Audio

• What's Poppin'?
  Listen  
• Codonnah
  Listen  
• Funky Blues
  Listen  
• Everyone's Tune
  Listen  
• Memories
  Listen  
• Midnight Dreams
  Listen  
• Envocus
  Listen  
• Cobra Dance
  Listen  

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Dallas jazz musicians Jamal Mathis & Ryan Smith's new album now available for download [+ Show ]
  

  Published -- Tuesday, January 6, 2009 Dallas jazz musicians Jamal Mathis and Ryan Smith’s new alb...Published -- Tuesday, January 6, 2009
  
  Dallas jazz musicians Jamal Mathis and Ryan Smith’s new album now available for download
  
  Faith, Hope, and Love
  Dallas jazz pianist Jamal Mathis, who won an ASCAPlus award earlier this year, has released his latest album, Faith, Hope, and Love, for digital download. Mathis teamed up with violinist and recording engineer Ryan Smith on the duet record.
  
  According to Grammy nominated artist Dr. Mike Bogle, Mathis and Smith's new record "exudes inspiration and emotion as well as a craftsman's command of the musical languages of arrangement, production, and performance."
  
  Faith, Hope, and Love is available for SNOCAP download from the artists' shared MySpace.
  
  Posted by -- Erin Rice
  

• MUSIC IN THE MIX -- CD Review [+ Show ]
  

  Reviewed by: Kristin Theckston Label: Quozox Music Productions Release: November 2006 Website:...Reviewed by: Kristin Theckston
  Label: Quozox Music Productions
  Release: November 2006
  Website: www.jamalmathis.com
  Myspace: www.myspace.com/jamalmathis
  
  
  
  Jamal Mathis- Music in the Mix
  
  This classical piano man gives Billy Joel a trip to the backseat while he takes over with his nimble fingers over the ivory keys, this man is mucho talented. Jamal Mathis leaves his audience craving more after each show with melodic grooves and plenty of dance beats as well. Jamal is considered mostly a contemporary Jazz player but I hold out on classifying him of anything particular there's more going on here than just tunes.
  
  This CD was definitely a pleasant surprise for me, I had expected a lot less than I got, there it goes to show you not all piano men just play the piano and nothing else. Jamal Mathis knows that all things are possible when you trust in a higher place our Lord Jesus Christ and he is truly devout. This disc samples jazz, swing, salsa, and full on soul. This uplifting CD is energetic and often inspiring.
  
  
  1.) What's Poppin'?
  
  2.) Codonnah
  
  3.) Get into It
  
  4.) Cobra Dance
  
  5.) Just Jammin'
  
  6.) Envocus
  
  7.) Funky Blues
  
  8.) Chillin' in the Moonlight
  
  9.) Midnight Dreams
  
  10.) Everyone's Tune
  
  11.) Mr. Attitude
  
  12.) Memories

• MUSIC NOW--Music Interview: Jamal Mathis [+ Show ]
  

  MUSIC NOW Published: March 17, 2007... MUSIC NOW
  
  Published: March 17, 2007 4:38 PM EST
  
  Next to Gospel Music, Jazz Music has always been my favorite genre of music. Don’t get me wrong—I love all types of music and can definitely see where each type of music play an integral part in my life; but, for me, Jazz Music is what makes me feel alive next to Gospel. When I got a chance to interview any Jazz performer, I don’t hesitate. I bring you an exciting new interview with Jazz artist, Jamal Mathis.
  
  Music Now: When and how did you first become interested in music? How long have you been playing music?
  Jamal Mathis: I first became interested in music at the age of ten (10). What really got my attention was this girl whom I had a "crush" on was playing one of my favorite songs on the piano in a room by herself. I peeped in and discovered my calling. Since then, I have been playing music for about thirteen (13) years now.
  
  Music Now: What are your musical influences?
  Jamal Mathis: I'm trained in classical music and jazz. I also can play gospel music too. My influences are Claude Debussy, Francis Poulenc, Joe Sample, Jeff Lorber, and Kirk Franklin
  
  Music Now: Does anyone in your family play music?
  Jamal Mathis: My grandmother played piano, my dad recorded a single, my uncle plays trumpet, and his brother sings in the church choir. His son sung in a group and recorded numerous of albums. I have been acquainted with various styles of music growing up with them.
  
  Music Now: When you are making music, describe how you are feeling?
  Jamal Mathis: I write music in any feeling. If I have a story to tell, I try to compose a tune that'll go along with it. In my music, I try to project feelings of energy, love, or whatever I'm feeling at that time.
  
  Music Now: Why did you write or decide to play any of your songs?
  Jamal Mathis: My first album: MUSIC IN THE MIX is an album that consists of various genres played in a jazzy style. I wanted to combine: pop, rock, funk, soul, and other genres into jazz. Jazz is Americas "classical" music.
  
  Music Now: Why did you choose to play this kind of music?
  Jamal Mathis: I love jazz. The best thing about jazz is "improvising". Showing off my skills on stage is what I love to do, and jazz allows me to have the freedom to do it. Being classically trained opened my mind to jazz. Composers like: Beethoven, Listz, and Schubert were all great improvisers, and centuries later came composers like: Scott Joplin, Duke Ellington, Oscar Peterson, and Art Tatum. These composers music influenced me.
  
  Music Now: What do you feel is missing in the music industry today?
  Jamal Mathis: I feel there is a shortage of loyal people whom you can trust. Although everyone in the industry is not bad, but it's hard to find someone who will not try to take advantage of you.
  
  Music Now: Do you feel like you are a role model to others?
  Jamal Mathis: I have a big influence at my church where I serve as an accompanist for the Young Praise Choir. A lot of them look up to me.
  
  Music Now: What keeps you going even when times you feel like giving up?
  Jamal Mathis: My personal relationship with God, and my family. They've encouraged me and have always been there from the beginning.
  
  Music Now: What are some of the big projects you are working on?
  Jamal Mathis: I'm currently working on a contemporary jazz album of hymn arrangements with a good friend of mine who is a great recording engineer.
  
  Music Now: What can we expect from you in the next several years?
  Jamal Mathis: I'm working on establishing my own music company where I can help up coming artists and musicians entering the industry.
  
  Music Now: Any new releases, updates, or anything else you would like to tell our audience?
  Jamal Mathis: You can keep up with me by visiting my website at www.jamalmathis.com. You can also purchase a copy of my first album: MUSIC IN THE MIX from the site too. To the audience, continue supporting good music, and we'll continue making it. To the musicians, I want to encourage every musician to be versatile, and play in all styles efficiently; therefore, they'll have no limits.

• Jamal Mathis receives ASCAPLUS award, rakes in the dough [+ Show ]
  

  Published -- Thursday, January 24, 2008 Jamal Mathis, local jazz pianist, has received the ASCAPl...Published -- Thursday, January 24, 2008
  
  Jamal Mathis, local jazz pianist, has received the ASCAPlus award. According to the official ASCAP website, this award is bestowed upon those who are either:
  
  Active writers in the early and mid stages of their careers
  Established writers whose main activity is outside of broadcast media;
  and
  
  is available to those writers who earn less than $25,000 in annual domestic performance royalties.
  Jamal won in the jazz category (there are also concert and popular music categories). In addition to the recognition, he pulled in a hefty award sum of $100. Don't spend it all in one place, Jamal. In fact, you should probably use that to invest in stocks.
  
  Posted by Erin Rice
  
  

• Jamal Mathis teams up with Ryan Smith for upcoming duet album [+ Show ]
  

  Published -- Wednesday, March 5, 2008 Jamal Mathis, recently garnered the coveted ASCAPlus award ...Published -- Wednesday, March 5, 2008
  
  Jamal Mathis, recently garnered the coveted ASCAPlus award in the jazz category. He is now teaming up with Ryan Smith, a violinist and recording engineer, for his upcoming album. According to Mathis' blog post, "the album will include instrumental arrangements of hymns, and contemporary jazz works both written by Ryan Smith and myself." The album will be released on Greenfield Records. (www.greenfieldrecords.com)
  
  Posted by Erin Rice
  

• Human Interest Story [+ Show ]
  

  JAMAL MATHIS -- Classical/Jazz Pianist and Composer Published: (March 7, 2007) Jamal Frank Ma...JAMAL MATHIS -- Classical/Jazz Pianist and Composer
  
  Published: (March 7, 2007)
  
  Jamal Frank Mathis, an active Pianist/Composer/Producer grew up in Dallas, Texas. His interest in music began at the early age of ten. While taking piano lessons, Jamal performed in eight annual piano recitals and was awarded for completing the John W. Schaum Piano Course from Jan Thompson Music Studio. His skills and repertoire increased by the age of sixteen when he discovered the art of composing music. During his discovery, Jamal composed samples of tunes and melodies on his own, and wrote them down in his music notebook. His first composition was "MEMORIES" (the last tune on his debut CD: MUSIC IN THE MIX). The CD consists of twelve original compositions written for piano, bass, and drums in various genres like: pop, samba, rock, funk, blues, salsa, swing and soul. The music on the CD is entertaining with melodic phrases. Jamal describes his music as being: memorable in melody with aesthetical changes, and groovy dance grooves. Each tune is different in style and form. "I try to compose music that's uplifting, energetic, and inspiring that'll touch the heart of individuals. At every concert, my purpose is to capture my audience emotions with every pluck, lick, and touch on the keyboard leaving them wanting more and shouting "ENCORE, ENCOURE!!!"
  His love for music led him to study jazz and music composition at Cedar Valley College. As a result, he earned a Certificate of Completion for Performing Musician in Commercial Music on December 12, 2002. He later transferred to Andrews University and earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance on August 6, 2006. His influences include: Ludwig van Beethoven, Edward Grieg, Claude Debussy, Francis Poulenc, Scott Joplin, Art Tatum, and Duke Ellington to contemporary artists like: Joe Sample, and Arlington Jones. Being acquainted with various genres and styles from his influences is one reason this Dallas native is a soon to be legend. Now and in the future Jamal wants to work with various musicians and help new and upcoming artists entering the music industry. He knows for a fact that all things are possible through his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
  
  For more information & to purchase the CD go to: www.jamalmathis.com and www.myspace.com/jamalmathis

Setlist

*A typical set is about one hour to two hours.....I may mix up my songs with covers, and announce them along the way.

*Some cover songs for solo performances may include works by: Scott Joplin, Thomas "Fats" Waller, Claude Debussy, Francis Poulenc, and other works from my influences.....

Basic Requirements

Calendar