Matthew Jamal, on the set with Madonna: «I deeply believe in the healing power of music»

At 23, most of which has been spent in music, Matthew Jamal he knows well that “that something that suddenly changes the course of things by changing your life really happens”.

Inspired by folk, Eastern and Western classical music, jazz and gospel – just to name a few genres from his broad musical palette – in 2020, this young New York composer and multi-instrumentalist published Itinerant, his Debut EP made with improvised melodies, using only double bass and voice. The single was also recently released something more than this, in collaboration with the artist of Catalan origin Lau Noah. She is currently working on a piece for electronic orchestra, while dreaming of collaborating with various artists from all over the world and also performing abroad, in large spaces and cathedrals.

“Basically I’m a double bass player. I studied it for twelve years, but about three years ago I decided to take up the cello to learn to play a new instrument», says Matthew, when we reach him via Zoom at his home in Harlem. «When you approach an instrument, a lot depends on you, on what you can produce. Nobody tells you, “this is the right way to play it”. My approach therefore is play the way that makes me feel comfortable. And the moment you learn to play an instrument and you feel at ease, at that point it becomes easy to make it your means of expression».

It was precisely this choice that marked a lucky turning point in Matthew’s life: it allowed him to be selected for the photo shoot starring Madonna, created by Luigi & Iango and posted on The Icon Issuethe number of Vanity Fair on newsstands.

“Sometimes I also work as a model,” he explains. «I had heard of a casting for an instrumentalist, it was needed for a photo shoot of which, however, they did not give any other information. I passed the first selection and then they wanted to meet me: they really liked my style, they were looking for a cellist and since I know how to play it, I gave a demonstration. When the choice was confirmed, I had to show up on set at 11pm: it was there that I met Madonna and we shot together for about two hours. I stayed until 4 in the morning, I even got to talk to her: she asked me about my music, my background, how I started playing the cello, my musical style. A beautiful experience, I’m really grateful to have had this chance. Madonna is a huge pop icon, when i told my mom i met her she couldn’t believe it! For me too, as for you, Madonna represents an institution on the front of music and fashion. She is an artist with enormous knowledge and so much to teach. The impact that her style and her message have had in the history of music and society is very strong ».

In fact, the trait d’union that binds Matthew Jamal and the pop star Madonna passes not only through the passion for music, but also for theaptitude for absorbing different cultures and messages, for inclusion.

“I spent a lot of time studying different genres of music,” says Matthew. “I grew up singing nei gospel choirs when I was a child and then I approached the classic musicto the American tradition of the jazzof the bluesofr’n’b. I studied the music of other cultures, thanks also to my many friends, and then the rock and theindie rock. I could say that today my style is a combination of all these genres».

Finally, when we ask him what the meaning of musical creation is for him, Matthew has no doubts: «Music is emotion. When I started performing, he helped me through tough times too. Whenever I had to “get something out” I took the instrument and used the sound as a cure. Even people who came to listen to me sometimes told me that music had helped them through something. Music is inextricably linked to emotions and moods. It has healing power».

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