The image in the trumpet player's head represents the line "Where the smoldering memory/of slave ships". The image is of a slave ship and slaves are being tossed overboard. I put it in his head to kind of make it seem more like a memory. I'm very hesistant (almost totally opposed) to the idea of removing this image. I think its a very powerful image though I think the size and opaqueness may take away from it a bit. I would consider moving the image or placing it in "thought bubble" but I'm not convinced that placing words will convey the same feeling that I want conveyed.

Great use of color in this image. I also like the sparse but deliberate choice of elements. I'm sure you spend a good deal of time on it, but the bleding of the notes might be polished a bit. Also, I'm not 100% sure about the image in the brain/head of the player. Is it possible to use some text somewhere to get the same point across? What else might be done?

I like the work that you did here especially with the bright colors in the background and the darkness and shadows of the trumpet player. I'm not sure I understand the ship but I'm sure it will make more sense to me in the final portfolio. Looks good.