by Veronica Henry
We all remember Malcolm-Jamal Warner from his days as Theo on The Cosby Show. He too looks back on those memories fondly, but that was a long time ago and Malcolm’s journey has come a long way, in fact, Miles Long since then.
While filming the Malcolm and Eddie Show in 1997 (UPN), Malcolm became frustrated with the escalating battles he had to fight with regard to stereotypical and negative images on the show. This frustration led him in search of a hobby to help alleviate some of the stress. An avid music fan, particularly of musician and poet, Gil Scott-Heron, he decided to learn to play an instrument – bass guitar.
Soon, practicing in his dressing room proved insufficient. He needed more time to fully develop his craft, so Malcolm formed the group Miles Long. It was through this group that he would hone his skills through the support and dedicated practice time with his band members.
Oddly, years before, Malcolm had also started a rap group by the same name. But don’t expect to see videos or tapes of those early performances surfacing. “I’m a much better poet than I was a rapper,” Malcolm chuckles.
omar hoodThat was then and this is now. Almost 10 years later, Malcolm, an independent artist has released 2 CD’s (The Miles Long Mix Tape and Love & Other Social Issues), performed a stage play of Love & Other Social Issues, directed by his mother and has taken his show on tour to various cities around the country, bringing his sizzling, sometimes controversial mix of jazz, funk and spoken word. He believes this time was essential to his growth as both a man and an artist.
Ongoing inspiration for Malcolm comes from various artists, including Marcus Miller, Me’Shell NdegeOcello, and The Roots. His own study of music includes listening to these and other artists, new and old as well as daily practice.
When asked to choose a favorite between jazz greats Miles Davis and John Coltrane, Malcolm pauses, “That’s a tough one. I can barely choose between the two, but when you separate the man from the art, and judge by the way Miles Davis treated people, women in particular, then I’d have to go with Coltrane.”
There’s also a philanthropic side to Malcolm, who recently acted as master of ceremonies for the Lupus Foundation awards ceremony. He learned of Lupus and how if affects the African American community through a friend whose sister suffers with the disease. “So, when asked to do it, I was immediately on board.”
So how does he handle the demands of being a musician with all his other projects, you ask? Though Malcolm cites balancing his acting, directing and musical careers as one of his greatest challenges, he still believes he can handle them all. “At this point in my life, I still feel like I can handle the juggling act,” he reflects.
Though the latest album was just released this past summer, Malcolm recognizes that it’s time to move on, he’s spending time now thinking about the theme and what message he wants to convey in his next compilation. We will be waiting anxiously.
Please visit Malcolm’s website at: www.malcolmjamalwarner.com for up to date touring information and to purchase his music.
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