Consciousness Magazine

  Written and Interviewed by Aaron Robinson – Editor @iamcomprehend After 5 years of not releasing a solo album, GRAMMY ®  Award-winning saxophonist, Kirk Whalum, continues to   raise the bar with his new album Epic Cool. Releasing over 25 albums over the course of his career, the 65 year old saxophonist continues to shine, defining “cool,” whether infusing hits or blazing trails in contemporary jazz. The award-winning Memphis-born jazz saxophonist stopped by to have a chat with Consciousness Magazine about his new album  Epic Cool. Here is what Kirk Whalum has to share with the readers.  Aaron Robinson : Hey, Kirk Whalum. How are you doing, sir? Kirk Whalum : I'm doing great, man, thank you. Aaron : Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule. I am really, really honored to be on the phone with you. Kirk : Yes, indeed. It my pleasure! Aaron : What was the motivation behind putting together your new album, Epic Cool? Kirk : That title came later. The

  KING OF RAGTIME: THE STORY OF SCOTT JOPLIN Written by STEPHEN COSTANZA Book Review by Eric Plaut   INTRODUCTION If you enjoy listening to Ragtime, you will like reading this biography of Scott Joplin.Dubbed as the “King of Ragtime”, Joplin composed such hits as “The Maple Leaf Rag” and “The Entertainer” to name a few.His music makes me think of those silent-film comedies from around a century ago.I can picture Charlie Chaplin—dressed as his most-famous persona the “Little Tramp”—walking about and twirling his cane around.Or the Keystone Cops ineptly chasing down a bad guy or a Model T Ford zooming down the road and barely miss getting hit by a speeding train. “JUNETEENTH” Scott Joplin was the second-oldest of six children born to Giles and Florence Joplin in Texarkana, Texas.Scott’s birthdate varies though most historians believe it was on November 24, 1868.Giles was a former slave from Texas while Florence was born in the free state of Kentucky.The Joplin family mov

Gospel Legend Vanessa Bell Armstrong – The Unstoppable Force of Gospel Music [Exclusive interview] Interviewed and written by Aaron Robinson – Editor ( @iamcomprehend )              For four decades, Gospel legend Vanessa Bell Armstrong has scored countless gospel hits such as “Peace Be Still”, “Pressing On”, “You Bring Out the Best In Me” , just to name several. The vocal powerhouse artist has won numerous Grammy Awards, Stellar Awards, and Soul Train Awards. Shanachie Entertainment is set to release her first single off of her forthcoming album titled Today , (written by Tony Jones, Walter W. Millsap III, Vanessa Bell Armstrong and Teak and produced by Millsap III and Teak) which is soon scheduled for release. Today will be her fourteenth album during her career as she will bring you praise and worship and messages of inspiration. The album also captures all facets of her artistry, as she has been very successful bridging traditional and contemporary Gospel music. I, (Consciousn

Q. Tell us a little about Hosny Bronx. A. What pushed me into music was growing up in the ghetto. You don’t really have much to do except music or sports. That’s how it is. We don’t have many other choices. I was immersed in music, so I continued.    I had the choice between making music or doing what many brothers do in the ghetto, you know what I mean. I grew up like that, like all the ghetto guys in the world. I preferred to take the path of music.   Q. What inspired you to get into Reggae music? When you are working on your music, where does your inspiration come from? A. My inspiration doesn’t come all the time, it depends. There is also the fact that I don’t force myself too much you see, as I already work on tracks. When I create a new track, I create the skeleton of the song and when I see that the track is interesting, I dress it. I start to make the bass, the guitar, the pianos, the percussions, drums, lead and backing vocals…everything. At the same time I’m worki