Published: December 13, 2009 3:00 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA
(Juniorscave.com)

New Music Spotlight
December 2009 Edition

Maneli Jamal

	Maneli Jamal photo by Jose Lagman

Solo Acoustic Guitarist Maneli Jamal is making magic with his beautiful skillful mastery of the guitar. The artist's music comes out sounding crisp and sharp and full of color tunes that music fans can really dig. Another aspect about this artist's music is that it feels like he is making love through his guitar that truly the sensual side of Maneli Jamal's music. If you are looking for an incredible musical experience, then make sure to pick up Maneli Jamal's music and you will surely not be disappointed.

Isaac: We'd love to know about your inspirations growing up. I hear so many influences in your music. How old were you when you first discovered music? Is there any kind of musical history in your family?

Maneli: I'm 24 now and I've been playing guitar since I was 16 years old so 8 years now. I actually played violin in the school orchestra for a few years before I picked up the guitar. My dad was a master violinist specializing in Persian modes and playing which he was kind enough to teach me a little bit of. That really helped me shape some of my newer work today. But I grew tired of the Violin as I saw my passion for it dwindle down and soon discovered the Guitar discussed in the next question.

Isaac: What drew you to pick up an instrument in the first place?

Maneli: I saw an acoustic guitar on a couch at a party one day in Texas. I picked it up and instantly asked my friend to show me a couple chords. I found myself sitting on that couch for hours trying to get those chords down. I knew from then on that the guitar was my new weapon of choice. My dad saved up some money to buy me a black Ibanez guitar for my 16th birthday which I still have but rarely play nowadays. It's been replaced with a few acoustic guitars but my main axe is now a Taylor 814ce Limited Edition 2006 which the new album and all YouTube videos are recorded with.

Isaac: As you hit your teenage years, did you know that this was what you would be doing for the rest of your life?

Maneli: I knew I would do whatever I had to do to make music my life. The moment I got the first guitar at age 16 I was determined to be a musician. Before that, I was really into visual arts so it was going to be one or the other.

Isaac: Is there a performer in any genre of pop culture that you would like to work with?

Maneli: Well, I am always up for collaborations of any sort as long it sounds good. I would love to work with some of my guitar heroes like David Gilmour, Don Ross and Pat Metheny. That'd be unreal; could you hook that up for me? :)

Isaac: Who are some musicians that you really like, present or past?

Maneli: Pat Metheny is currently on my "Most Listened to" playlist. I really am in awe at some of the compositions that guy comes up with. Don Ross is a fingerstyle beast and he is the reason I started using a thumbpick in a progressive way. I can't forget about Iron Maiden though, those guys were a huge influence when I was playing electric guitar!

Isaac: What is your ultimate goal with your music career?

Maneli: To take over the world. But after that I just want to make music for myself and others. I am currently teaching guitar and gigging so life is good! I would like to tour the world and see all the places; make more CD's and maybe some movie scores. I don't need much materialistically to feel good about myself and my music. Just my guitar is fine.

Isaac: What has been some of the obstacles it has taken to get this far in your career?

Maneli: The most important factor was getting kicked out of the US in 2003. We had received a deportation letter from the US government stating we had to leave the country voluntarily within 30 days or be deported back to Iran. This was a dangerous time for us to be back in Iran so we claimed refuge in Canada. Now, we are Canadian citizens and damn proud of it too! My acoustic guitar exploration didn't really start until we moved to Canada as this was a very difficult time for me to adjust and adapt to a new country again. I was 18 when this happen and I was determined to play the acoustic guitar for hours to let the daily sorrows pass. 7 years later I am still in Toronto, Canada playing my heart out every day and have made a lot of connections with musicians. As hard as it was to move to Canada at first, in retrospect it was a blessing in disguise.

Isaac: Would you recommend this "field" to others who are aspiring to be musicians like you?

Maneli: If you've got the patience and drive, of course! You won't ever find out how far you go until you try it. I was pessimistic about getting into music full time but it has slowly paid off. With the hard work and long hours you put into the instrument and network, you will get results!

Isaac: Describe one piece of advice you've have been given to by others in the music industry.

Maneli: Don't take the first offer someone throws at you. It may sound great, but take your time reading over contracts. No rush, just be sure to follow your heart not the money.

Isaac: What genre of music do you consider most of your music?

Maneli: I call this style Progressive Fingerstyle as it incorporates Fingerstyle playing with a new perspective on approaching the guitar. Also, because I've had a bit of experience with Flamenco, Metal, and Persian playing, it is like a fusion of styles in one instrument.

Isaac: What has been your favorite piece of work?

Maneli: Movement III- Ziur is a good example of my latest and most focused work. It is a flowing piece of music that I've worked on for a while and feel most accomplished about. It is finally finished and can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69MJ4UGzvl4

Isaac: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?

Maneli: My new CD "The Ziur Movement" is available on iTunes and my website for those who want a physical copy. I do offer to sign all CDs that come through my website at http://www.manelijamal.com

Isaac: Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?

Maneli: My parents for supporting me 100% with my musical endeavors and my fiancé for being my muse.

Isaac: Any last words?

Maneli: Keep an open mind about how you approach the instrument and experiment! I used to lock myself in my room and 'discover' new things on my own; the feeling of this is unbelievably satisfying and fulfilling. The amount of work it took me to discover scales took me a while but the things I discovered during the process is priceless. It is important to not only play freely but learn the theory and apply it to the instrument as well. A balance of the two is crucial in becoming a well rounded player in my opinion. This approach has helped me look at compositions in a new way incorporating different time changes, key signatures and modulations. Be free with where your melodies take you; don't be limited by only playing in scales. This of course is only my personal approach and will not work for everyone.

Maneli Jamal's Official Website


Maneli Jamal

http://www.manelijamal.com

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