Jael has written over 1300 songs and says that is his most impressive credential in the music business.

“Not enough artists are covering them but they are available in almost all genres. I was flying into LA and Lionel Ritchie just happened to be on the same plane with me. I was lamenting the fact that I've been on the fringe of the business all my life and he said, ‘Anybody who has written over 1200 songs is not on the fringe of the business. That is the business.’"

He says the music he writes crosses genres from pop to country to jazz to rock. But the blues is where his heart really lies.

“If I need it to sound like something it does. I love the acoustic guitar and voice a lot and everything for me flows out of blues roots, so the most common sounds would be that.” he says.

When it comes to guitars he plays an Ovation but he also has 27 other instruments.

“I have a vintage Ovation which I love because it projects so well. I have guitars on my dream list to buy but each instrument is unique. I have played Martins I would not buy because the price doesn't seem warranted for the sound,” he says. “There are lots of upcoming guitar makers like Larrivee from Canada who make them right and I choose them for their sound.”

When it comes to electrics he uses a Jay Turser Les Paul that he says he had a hard time distinguishing from more expensive guitars.

“A lead player I know has broken the head off a 1966 and a 1974 Gibson respectively by knocking it over on stage. I like the copy. To me there are 4 essential electrics. The Strat and the Tele, the LesPaul and the Country Gentleman,” he says. “I Like the Paul Reed Smith SG as well. Marshall tube amps gave way to Line 6 stuff. The Rockwell amps are terrific low cost amps I have my eye on.”

If it came to a “dream guitar” he would want an old Martin—but not just any old Martin.

“I want a great old Martin with history. Neil Young owns a Martin guitar that used to belong to Hank Williams. That's the kind of thing I'd like to pick up.” He says.

We asked Jael about his recording practices, particularly about recording acoustics as well as what he does with vocals.

”I never amp acoustics for recording unless I don't want it to sound acoustic. I never go direct. I use what John Brandt tells me to use for microphones (creator of Brandt Audio Devices) and use his techniques,” says Jael. “Never mic the hole. Angle 2 mics from the neck and low off the soundboard opposite the neck.”

When it comes to mics he, again, defers to Brandt since he has the experience. Not a terrible idea when you have access to such people. Rely on what people who have done it before say and what they do (this does not always apply to the guy who records a lot in his mom’s basement).

“He (Brandt) has a new line of wooden mics and a mic pre that will blow you away. The air button on the pre just opens up the sound,” says Jael. “The official public launch of that product is planned in about a month. He can be found at Song Garden Studios among my top friends on myspace.”

Jael is producing records in Brandt’s studio (near Detroit). He is releasing his new CD Political by Necessity shortly and is working on songs with another band he works with, Lamenting Vinyl. He is also working on a three CD fantasy concept record with multiple artists.