Jamal Mathis and Ryan Smith have created a compelling musical landscape, brimming with auditory treasure that will appeal to a broad spectrum of music enthusiasts. From the venerable standards such as Amazing Grace and Holy, Holy, Holy to creative originals like Falling For You—“Faith, Hope, & Love” is an uplifting collection of music. The artistic and musical energy of Mathis and Smith is inspiring. “Faith, Hope, & Love” exudes inspiration and emotion as well as a craftsman’s command of the musical languages of arrangement, production, and performance.---Dr. Mike Bogle
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The musical duo of Jamal Mathis (piano) and Ryan Smith (violin) is bringing to the world a unique fusion of jazz and classical music. Though they have performed together for a number of years, they have finally released their first album together: "Faith, Hope & Love". The project grew out of a shared Christian faith and a love for jazz music. Jamal Mathis and Ryan Smith met while attending classes at Cedar Valley College in Lancaster, Texas and were soon performing together. Both musicians had a strong classical background but were also interested in pursuing jazz. Mathis holds a Bachelor's degree in piano performance and studied under Arlington "Ollie" Jones. He has also released a CD entitled "Music In The Mix" and has appeared on numerous concerts, radio and television programs. Smith holds a Bachelor's degree in music/media from the University of Texas at Arlington and studied violin with Scott Conklin. He interned under Emmy Award winning audio engineer David Boothe as well as studying, performing, and working with Grammy-nominated jazz musician Mike Bogle. He was also Assistant-Engineer for Bogle's top 30 jazz album "Eternal Family". Bringing together their collective strengths of arranging, audio-engineering, and performing, Mathis and Smith have worked to bring some of the timeless hymns into a new light and have both contributed original compositions on their new album “Faith, Hope & Love”. Ultimately, their aim is to bring glory to the God who gave them their talents and enjoyment to their fellow man through music.
