The Consciousness of Love By Sharon Nyree Williams The Consciousness of Love is an album of stories with music that shares personal triumphs, values, acceptances of realities and differences with love, honesty and a bravery that will move you from one story to the next. ---Felicia V. Loud, Producer When I set out to make this album. I wanted to make sure I was able to bring attention to several social issues. I think I succeed, in this album you will hear poetry and stories about; depression, education, family, autism, the state of Black men, dreams, etc. I must admit that this album is much more personal than I expected it to be. I hope that my truth will help change the world one story at a time. While making this album, I was blessed with the opportunity to work with many composers and musicians. The Consciousness of Love has a little bit of everything in it when it comes to the musical compositions. It includes jazz, country, gospel, indie rock, classical, R&B, and a little bit of blues. I believe the diversity in music is a symbol of what the world is truly like. Therefore, I believe that there is a little bit of something for everyone on The Consciousness of Love. I hope you enjoy it and please share it with anyone you think might benefit from hearing my stories. --Much appreciation, love and respect, Sharon Nyree Williams (Recording and production made possible through the Artist Residency Programs at Jack Straw Cultural Center.) THE CONSCIOUSNESS OF LOVE is dedicated to the memories of: Edna Faye Williams believed in me before I believed in myself. Jasmine McCreary continues to teach me how to live every day. Tyrell Floyd, loved, loved, loved, this guy like my little brother. Storm my baby…best pit bull ever. Executive Producer: Sharon Nyree Williams Producer: Felicia V. Loud Engineer and Mixing: Steve Ditore Videographer: Alen Blake (BOKEHEM) Graphic Designer: Bryan K. Johnson (Obsidian Media) Producer’s Assistants: Lisa Lauray and Kemi Holley To my family, I LOVE YOU! To my friends, I LOVE YOU! To my family and friends, I appreciate you. SPECIAL THANKS to TEAM SHARON, my nephews and nieces (Shameik Williams, Karess Williams, Trayden Williams, Keira Williams, Ahmad Williams, Elora Williams), Little Cuz Ayanah McCreary and my entire family: Jacksons, Williams, Clarks, Murphys, Youngs, and Whiteheads. THANK YOU! Tonieh Thompson, Joanque Smith, Martha Goedert, Steve Galatro, Trina Gadsden, Amy Zimmerman, Cori (Kauk) and Chas Walters, Gina Davis, Kevin Maifeld, Jerilyn (Twiddle) Twydell, Laura Poyer, Janet New Moczulewski, Sandra Brierley, Staci Bixler, Rita Tower, Barbara and Gene Anderson, Anis Robinson, Nina Yarbrough, Robert James, Levi Fuller, Joan Rabinowitz, Adillia Scott, Jace Farr, Lavern Loud, Deatra L. Harris, Jada Harris, Robyn Johnson, Petra Baylon, Lola E. Peters, TaynVal (Dreams Unlimited), Danielle Winslow, Victoria Romero, Fred and Gina Legowski, Noreen Ebert, Fran Kao, Kimball Owens Jr., Upendo Moore, Jennifer Teehan, Dave’Ron Madden, Dave Madden, Brian Lawrence, Randy Nichols, and Sandra Boas-DuPree Sistah’s Rock the Arts, Works In Progress (Richard Hugo House), Catholic Community Services, The Mahogany Project, Hatcher’s Chapel AME Zion Church, and Jennifer Jasper’s Family Affair Artists from all over Seattle shared their gifts and talents on this album. Below is a complete list of contributors: 1. TRUTH IS Composer, Evan Gackstatter (BMI), Percussionist and Pre-mix Engineer Nathan Taylor 2. DREAM Composer, Royce Shorter, Jr. 3. NEVER SATISFIED (Explicit) Composer, Shady Bottom, Trumpet: Moose Barber, Piano: Ed Vance, Bass Guitar: Kevin "Bucket" Burkett, Guitar: Jason Graczyk, and Drums: FunkDoc Reading 4. SECRETS Composer, Jhauvon Harrison 5. I CRY featuring Felicia V. Loud Composer, Taylor Hyll (Bamazing Publishing, BMI) 6. AMAZE IN ME Composer, Joey Walbaum; Piano: Joey Walbaum, Drums: Davy Nefos, and Upright Bass: Bren Plummer 7. IT STARTED WITH CHURCH Composer, Taylor Hyll (Bamazing Publishing, BMI) 8. SHE’S AGELESS featuring Chic Streetman Composer Chic Streetman 9. I MISS GOING TO THE HOUSE Composer, Chic Streetman 10. POPCORN Composer, Loren Shoichi Temkin 11. MY BROTHERS Composer, Owuor Arunga 12. DON’T ASK ME HOW I FEEL Composer, Jhauvon Harrison 13. JAZZY BUTTERFLY Composer, Taylor Hyll (Bamazing Publishing, BMI) Bass Guitar: Noe Rodriguez Vocals: Taylor Hyll, Marcus Benjamin, & Felicia V. Loud 14. LOSING THE BASICS featuring Ahmad Williams and Lara Davis Composer, Lara Davis 15. LAUGH Composer, Kyle Hillman