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WMG Abby: What is it about jazz that made you love it a lot?

JPM: I love all kinds of music and I'm not biased towards other art forms. In fact, I've recorded other art forms both as a leader and sideman and love all GOOD music. However jazz has a sense of evolution, a rich history and creative freedom that I enjoy.

WMG:Picking up the bass, how do you feel playing it?

JPM: I love the low thunder and raw power of the instrument.

WMG: What does your music sound like?

JPM: To date I've recorded six CD's as leader and each project has a different concept from one to the next. Generally speaking, my music is mostly instrumental with leanings toward jazz,fusion,rock and world. More contemporary than traditional straight-ahead jazz.

WMG: Who are your musical influences?

JPM: I have many but my favorites are: Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, The Police.

WMG: Where do you get your inspiration in writing your songs?

JPM: Inspiration and ideas can take shape in various forms. Sometimes I can sit down to write and it just flows out and other times it's like looking at a blank brick wall with no where to go. I've actually dreamed ideas before and got up and quickly wrote them down or recorded the idea(s) before they escaped me.

WMG: What was it like working with other big name artists?

JPM: I've had the opportunity to work with many talented artists and musicians and I've been blessed to have had several unique encounters with a diverse array of performers. For a complete list, one can check my bio on my personally website.

WMG: How was it touring with Col. Bruce Hampton?

JPM: Working with Colonial Bruce Hampton was an "Outside" experience. In the words of Col. Bruce Hampton, "He is the best minor league coach in the business" and I was blessed to have taken a ride on his mystical bus for four + years.

WMG: Please define All digital record label as you put your company Blue Canoe Records?

JPM: "All Digital" means that Blue Canoe Records does not deal in physical CD products, only digital downloads.

WMG: I see a lot of upcoming musicians going the same path as yours, what can you offer that will differ you from those other artists?

JPM: Blue Canoe Records was in business before the boom of the ipod and our key relationships with the Entertainment Industry and our personal contacts is something you don't acquire over night. In addition, BCR is about to launch a "Digital Delivery" system that will digitally send all future releases to the press, radio and general media via the world wide web without the need to mail CD's through the postal mail. This is a win/win for the artist, the label and the media.

WMG: How would you deal if you were criticized as another jazz musician?

JPM: I try to maintain the middle path. Never getting really excited about a great review and never getting depressed over harsh criticism. The middle path is the best place for me to try and maintain.

WMG: Any particular favorite from all the songs you wrote?

JPM: I like parts of some of them, but I guess I'm to close to many as I tend to pick them apart or hear things in the songs I wish I could change. I would say overall, as an arrangement it would be "Down Under" and for an original tune it would be GrooveMessenger (The story of Jazztronica).

WMG: Any gigs going on?

JPM: I'm working with a booking agent now and we trying to solidify several dates for 2007. Keep checking my personal website for live updates.

WMG: The book, Indie Artist Producer Handbook, what is it about?

JPM: It is a digital download book (and soon to be audio book) co-written by me and famed Curtis Mayfield alumni and producer, Buzz Amato. The concept of the book is geared towards Independent Artists and musicians trying to make sense of the digital revolution. You can find more about that here.

WMG: Was it difficult preparing to record your latest album?

JPM: My latest release is Decade 1996-2005. This is a compilation of sorts and I recorded one new tune and played all the instruments. Currently I'm working on something now titled Thumper and it will be released this summer (07).

WMG: How did you make for the recording in terms of rehearsing and arranging the material?

JPM: For Decade 1996-2005 we picked the stronger material from my previous 5 CD's spanning the past decade. These songs we're re-mixed, re-mastered and in some cases we edited the beginnings/endings to make room for more tunes on the CD. There are nineteen songs on this compilation.

WMG: Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

JPM: Hopefully alive and with my health, hahaha. Seriously, ten years from now I hope to continue to share my music and grow as an artist and human being.

WMG: Thanks so much for the time Joseph. Any last messages to your fans?

JPM: Abby I want to personally thank you and the members of Wiki Music Guide for creating a great outlet for artists such as myself. I look forward in watching your site continue to grow. Thank you for your support! Happy New Year 2007!

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