MEDIA PRESS KIT & RESUME
THE OFFICIAL ONLINE RESUME AND MEDIA PRESS KIT FOR JAMAL MATHIS
 | ARTIST NAME: Jamal Mathis PRIMARY GENRE: Jazz SECONDARY GENRE: Nu-Jazz/Smooth Jazz/Modern Jazz HOMETOWN: Dallas, Texas INSTRUMENTATION: Jamal Mathis -- (Solo/Keyboards) or Jamal Mathis Trio -- 3 piece jazz band (Piano, Bass, & Drums) CONTACT INFO: (214) 724-9067 & jamal@jamalmathis.com |
DESCRIPTION OF MUSIC: From swing and blues, to pop, funk, gospel, salsa, and soul Jamal Mathis can do it all leaving his audience wanting more. His music is described as entertaining and uplifting with memorable melodies, smooth changes, and groovy beats with an influence of Art Tatum, Oscar Peterson, Jeff Lorber, and Joe Sample.
ARTIST 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
OBJECTIVE: A full time career in the music entertainment industry as a pianist, composer, and producer working toward becoming a major artist.
EDUCATION: August 2006 (Andrews University) Berrien Springs, Michigan. Bachelor of Music with an emphasis in piano performance. Graduated Cum Laude.
December 12, 2002 (Cedar Valley College) Lancaster, Texas. Performing Musician in Commercial Music Certificate.
QUALIFICATIONS: Has leadership skills, works well with others, fluent sight reader, has improvisational skills, able to play music by ear.
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE: Full time accompanist for the Young Praise Choir at local church, directed the church band in last minute rehearsals, transcribed the music for the choir and church band.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Composed original music for Easter stage play: "Now Behold the Lamb" -- (Desoto S.D.A. Church) 2008, Freelance musician, composer, and producer (Dallas, Texas) -- 1999-present, Formed the Jamal Mathis Trio (Dallas, Texas) -- 2006, Composed and produced debut album: "MUSIC IN THE MIX" (Dallas, Texas) -- November 2006, Composed an instrumental jingle for a producer of an infomercial: "The Breon Fat Cure for Women" (Dallas, Texas) -- 2000-2001.
MEMBERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS: ASCAP writer member since 2007, ASCAP publisher member since 2006 (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers). NARAS member since 2009 (National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences).
AWARDS: Three ASCAPLUS Awards for $100.00 -- ASCAP (2008-2010), John W. Schaum Piano Course Completion Award -- Jan Thompson Music Studio (2002), Three Dedicated Service Awards -- City Temple S.D.A. Church (1999-2000).
MEDIA PRESS REVIEWS: MUSIC IN THE MIX CD Review -- (www.backstagepass.com) 2008, Feature Articles -- (www.pegasusnews.com) 2008, Human Interest Story -- (The Dallas Post Tribune) 2007, MUSIC NOW -- Interview (www.juniorcave.com) 2007.
DISCOGRAPHY: MUSIC IN THE MIX -- (November 2006), FAITH, HOPE, & LOVE -- (January 2009)
Last updated: March 8, 2010