2009 article on Medford's Jimmy Jewels

https://medford.wickedlocal.com/x631627343/A-Jewel-in-Medford-Square

 A ‘Jewel’ in Medford Square

By Joe Viglione/medford@cnc.com
Posted Jul 17, 2009 at 12:01 AM Updated Jul 17, 2009 at 5:13 PM



Jimmy Jewels with singer Amerie

Few people in Medford realize there is a talented group of producers/engineers/artists making great music in the heart of the city.

Few people in Medford realize there is a talented group of producers/engineers/artists making great music in the heart of the city.

Jewels Enterprises, Inc. at 22 High St. is a world hidden from the eyes of the cars and foot traffic on the main thoroughfare in Medford, creative sounds and intellectual property are generated inside the office building — an important contribution to the local arts that has flown under the radar screen.

Producer/studio owner Jimmy, a.k.a. “J. Jewels,” says he likes to surround himself with positive people who are looking to get into a better future. The Medford resident, who is a family man, likes to be a positive role model and help out his community, a community that extends from area musicians he records like reggae artist Mighty Mystic, rapper/hip hop artist Omega Red and New Hampshire artist Timmy Tunes, who Jewels met through Omega Red and who is now an important part of Jewels’ team.


Jewels is now getting ready to add a new artist to his label.


“We’re getting ready to put out a record with King Spyda,” Jewels said, of a long-term project the studio’s been working on for the last eight to nine months. “The project is called “Hood Fella.”

Jewels started his musical career as a disc jockey, record producer, videographer and show MC. He then put his creative ideas into the world of marketing and promotions, with concert and event planning for local and national artists followed by larger scale events.

Jewels, who was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, was 10 years old when he arrived in Medford. He has made the city his adopted home, both living and working in its neighborhoods.

The Medford Transcript recently spoke with Jewels and was treated to some amazing sounds the studio has put together for musicians, radio commercials and even a proposed TV program.

Medford Transcript: When did the facility, Jewels Production & Recording Studio, first open?

Jimmy Jewels: The Jewels production name I came up with years ago after I graduated high school back in ’94. I went into producing music for local talent, but the office here I opened in 2006 and changed the name to Jewels Enterprises, Inc. so I can do more than just production.



MT: Was the facility always in Medford Square?


JJ: Yes. Since I opened, I have been in Medford Square.

MT: Who is the founder?


JJ: I am the founder of the company.

MT: What were your first musical inspirations?


JJ: I have had a variety...from Bob Marley, Method Man, Adina Howard, Michael Jackson and more. I love variety.

MT: Are you a musician as well?


JJ: I play a little keyboard here and there, mostly what I do is oversee production as an executive producer.

MT: How did you get started in the music business?


JJ: Again I got started when I was probably about 16 years of age. I used to DJ friends’ parties, film family weddings and charge a fee for doing it for them.

MT: Who are the people at Jewels Production & Recording?

JJ: Right now I am the face of the entire company and Susan Coombs is basically my right hand girl who handles a lot of the marketing and brings in new clients. Other than that my artist King Spyda who has an upcoming album and another artist I work closely with is Mighty Mystic.

MT: How many engineers?


JJ: Right now I handle most of the engineering. When I do get real busy, I get freelancers to come in and handle projects for me.

MT: Are the clients basically from Medford or do they come from out of state and out of the country?


JJ: My clients come from all over the place. I do have some in Medford and some from all around New England.

MT: What recordings have been released from the facility on High Street?

JJ: Omega Red has released music recorded here, Mighty Mystic has recorded music here, the most current song is called “Slipped Away.” You can listen to that by visiting the record label page www.myspace.com/jewelsincmusic


MT: What are some of the accomplishments the studio/engineers are most proud of?

JJ: Well right now we are putting together a music program for kids in the Medford area. Where they can come in and learn about recording and releasing music.

— For more on Jimmy Jewels, his company and music, log on at the following: Here are some links to J. Jewels MySpace, You Tube and main site: www.myspace.com/jewelsinc; www.youtube.com/user/Jewelse; www.jpnrstudios.com/services.html; and www.jpnrstudios.com/aboutus.html.

Jimmy Jewels has racked up a talented group of musical artists, many of whom record from his 22 High St. location in the heart of Medford.