Meshell Ndegeocello's PERFECT Groove
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ก.ย. 2024
- #bass #history #analysis #transcription #groove #neosoul #paulthompson
Breaking down my favorite track from Meshell Ndegeocello's 1993 debut album, PLANTATION LULLABIES (Maverick), and the 3 ways she makes a perfect groove on 3 different instruments in one song (3 bass lines!). I'll break down what makes her playing style so unique and personal and shout out her supporting cast on this record, including the amazing Luis Conte, pianist Bobby Lyle, and the great guitarist Wah-Wah Watson. This funk, soul, jazz, alternative, hip hop record set the table for all of neo-soul and blazed a trail for one of the baddest bassists of the last 30 years.
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This woman is criminally underrated. I still listen to all of her albums. I've always thought of her as a female equivalent to Prince, they have so many things in common: Both are virtuoso players, great writers and producers, both were incredible live performers and both had androgynous personas.
Yes indeed
More miles. She’s all about the muse - Prince was into the show as much as muse. There’s a egoless purity to her I dig
Interesting fact: she was rejected in an audition to Living Colour. Which, to be honest, I think was a good outcome, because then she ended up creating her own legacy as a solo artist. One of the best on the planet!
And Muzz Skillings was the perfect bassist for LC.
Win win!
@@junkandcrapamenkiller player!!!!
And Les Claypool tried out for Metallica! I didn’t know this one though. I agree it was a good outcome and just goes to show how mysterious the human experience is, so don’t go second guessing what happens!
@@patfinn2697 indeed! I didn't know the Les Claypool thing, thanks. A similar one too: Jay Kay didn't pass the audition for Brand New Heavies. Then he went on to build his own band, a not very known one called... Jamiroquai.
@@DiogoBaeder This rumor has been confirmed to be false by an interview made to The Brand New Heavies themselves. You should do a little of research before spreading misinformation. Peace!
Bruh... she went into instant deep cut status with her first album. She makes music for musicians.
🎯
Exactly. From Day One.
I know,if you See the Name Meshell Ndegeocello,ya know it's bad ass!
Nah. She births music for the SOUL!
My uncle Melvin Ragin aka Wah Wah Watson put her band together! That band later on became Maxwell’s band for the Urban Hang Suite Tour! RIP to Wah Wah Watson the GOAT!!
Wow! Thanks for sharing this. Bless.
@@hahabass No doubt!!!! Most certainly welcome!
Great story, thx! RIP Wah Wah ❤️
Amazing history, RIP 🙏 They were fantastic musicians on that tour
He did huh....
Her studio work is impeccable. But have you seen her live? An amazing performer but also great entertainer with wit and charm that compliments her musical brilliance. There’s no need to speculate on why she’s been underrated. We know. But those who get it get her!
Yes I have - she was unbelievably good!! It was on her 2000 tour………absolutely superb!
You are an exemplary pedagogue, and you too are the 'real deal'. Your Honesty, enthusiasm, chops, bravery and accessibility resonates greatly within me. And if me, I am sure, many others too. Once again, more monsters of groove to check out. Thank goodness for the internet. Just discovered she has a GREAT voice too.
Agreed!!
RIGHT…?!!? This brother right here is NO JOKE!!! I appreciate his channel so much!!!
I’m SO GLAD someone completely and competently broke down this track!! Call me, Dread loc and “Outside Your Door” are my favorites!
She’s been one of my favorites since she came out in the scene, her sound was so different at the time, and I truly believe she introduced the earliest neo-soul era, GIVE MESHELL HER FLOWERS!!!
This is the greatest music channel. I don't even play bass but the references and harmonic tips you bring are so great. Meshell, for example, was totally unknow for me. Cheers from brazil 👏👏👏
And her live shows from that era with players like David Dyson, Wah Wah Watson and some of the guys from Screaming Headless Torsos were the reason TH-cam exists! Killer artist and you're right, a phenomenal debut.
yeah Fuze and Gene Lake.. world class lineup
Wow I need to check that out. They're on TH-cam?
I’m glad to see that Meshelle Ndegeocello has FINALLY began to be recognized as she so deserves. I have all of her records and I can say she is a total package. Great songwriter, musician, producer and singer. A chameleon of styles. The one thing I don’t think I hear people note enough is her tone. Incredible tone. She is one of my all time favorites. My favorite album by her is “The World Has Finally Made Me The Man of My Dreams”. Check it out if you haven’t already. Great video as always my man!!
Janek Gwizdala has stated that in his opinion she's the best bassist arround. I really like that bassline she plays in the song _Never Miss the Water_ with Chaka Khan.
Lawd Have Mercy!!! I fell in love with this album right when it first came out!! “Call Me” is definitely my favorite joint on this album! But there are so many more killer joints on here as well! “Shootin’ Up & Gettin’ High”, “Diggin’ You Like An Old Record”, “Picture Show”, “Outside Your Door”….LAWD!!! This album is just BADASS!!! Meshel Ndegeocello is definitely my favorite Top 5 bassist!!!🔥🔥🔥❤️🔥🔥🔥
I remember *Outside Your Door* was on the radio a *ton* back then. Even her voice... damn...
I talk about this album and her ALL the time, IT WAS A GAME CHANGER!!!
Thank you for covering her. This is ANOTHER MASTER CLASS 👊🏾🤘🏾🙏🏾!!!
I had to go see her live, her lines are tight and funky
This album blew my mind when it came out. Soooo overlooked. Thanks for putting this together.
Meshel's bass playing is so insanely musical.. IMHO there's only one bassist that is Meshel's equal when it comes to groove, timing and articulation, and that is Bernard Edwards
You can DEFINITELY draw a direct line from Bernard to her!
She is an amazing gifted musician that is highly underrated and often overlooked. Very ahead of her time .
Plantation Lullabies is one of my all-time albums. MeShell is a master musician, vocalist, composer. Once again sir, you have made a great educational tribute video. And thanks to Madonna for recognizing Meshell’s brilliance and signing her to her Maverick label. I think Meshell was the first artist she signed. Bravo PDBass! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Neo Soul back in 93 was her inception. Her 2 songs from the movie Love and Basketball sound track was and still one her best chill grooves. Her voice, lyrics and production is superb on her 1st 4 albums.
There is nothing left to say, except: she is a godess on bass! This album has the place of honor in my CD-Collection! Even her name sounds like a combination of fingerstyle and slap groove ... and your analyses of these great players are always awesome!!! Thank you, Paul!!!
Her grooves and arrangements are genius. Big fan of her work.
My Dude! My sentiments exactly, MeShell is a Beast! I recall when I purchased that cd and listened to it for the 1st time, I could not believe what I was hearing!! The whole cd is slamming! She is one my favorite artist for sure. It kept getting better after that. MeShell is all that and a big bag of chips!
I couldn't leave this planet without going to see her live, and none of us (in the standing room only) in the crown were disappointed! Mid-nineties, Atlanta, Little 5 Points,... I'll never forget it!
She'd have totally got bored there.
@@delightschwartz2155 I guess that's possible. We had to leave early due to my guest's feet failing (from the standing room only deal).
Somehow I was cool enough to buy this album when it first dropped and I played the hell out of it. She is a genius and you're quite right, underappreciated. What a talent. So much soul. Thanks for this. Respect from Canada.
All that was said, plus her lyrics.
Too many adjectives to describe them.
Personal, sensitive, honest, passionate, emotional, unguarded.
She really opens up her soul.
Her words stick to you, they aren’t cheap dirty.
Her words with that voice, intertwined with the grūv…
Outside your Door
Love Song #1
Checkout her set on tiny desk.
Other bass players don’t talk about her because she transcended her instrument.
They just play bass✌🏿🔆♾👍🏿
I love everything about this comment and couldn't agree with you more.
You did it... AGAIN. You're right. She deserves way more props. I'm gonna give that whole album a good listening to. Those grooves are so delicious! Thanks again. 😊
PS: I'm on track 2 I'm Diggin' You (Like An Old Soul Record) Wow! I'm in for a real treat
I have a couple of her CDs. But her live shows when she plays the same songs, she takes it to a whole other level I agree 100%, she's terribly underrated!!;
Yep,
More People need to talk about
Meshell Ndegeocello being one of the Greats.
I learned about her from a Record Shop Manager back in 1996.
He told me about her
Plantation Lullabies Album and i bought it.
I was Blown Away!
I Met Meshell Ndegeocello Years ago after She Performed.
I told Her how much I Love her Playing/Music.
We talked about different things for awhile...
She's a Cool, Down to Earth Person
Thanks for giving Her, Her Flowers......
I give this video a standing salute! I was blessed to have met her a few years before this album when she was playing bass for Go-Go bands in Washington, DC. Just unbelievably funky and brilliant on so many levels. This album is one of my most cherished and IMO is GOAT status in the Neo-Soul category. A clinic in groove and a timeless classic. I rave about Meshell to anyone who will listen, especially bass players. Thanks for your contribution in broadening awareness.
So glad you did this one. I also was shocked when I got this back when it came out because she did not take the easy pop or R&B way out that earned the record's only hit, "If that's ya boyfriend". Though the entire disc is one of the few worth hearing all the way through, my jam was "Dreadlocks". You were dead on with Plantation Lullabies baby! And Me'Shell is everything you claimed.
Fantastic tribute to one of my favorite artists and records! Your channel is crushing PD!
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
I'm a pianist but I so love this bass channel! Thanks a lot for what you bring us!
There's pocket and then there's Meshell Ndegeocello... her playing style is so tight my bass face is always turned on. Also shoutout to David Fiuczynski seen there in the first live vid, he was my teacher for a while during college!
Fuze!!!! Glad I wasn’t the only one who thought of him! Very glad!!!
She has a pocket deeper than a clown.
Great work on the transcription. Meshell is the Queen of Bass.
Word...
One of my favorite artists. Had the joy of seeing her perform Plantation Lullabies live years ago
Meshell Ndegeocello doesn’t get enough credit man! She is definitely one of favorites!
I went online and bought one while listening to your video! I am a 48 year pro harmonica player but when good grooves come along then going to check it out! Thank you as always for always bringing the good. A long-time musician friend (piano, guitar, banjo, harmonica) I just showed your channel to this week.....he subscribed on the spot!
My musical ear wanders, but always returns to Me'shell. That's love!
Couldn't agree more, @pdbass ! One of my favorite bassists ever, and surely one of my top 10 desert island albums. Her following album "Peace Beyond Passion" is amazing too - and anytghing she puts out is worth listening to. Over and over. 😍
This is my favourite album of all time! The lyrics, the feel, an absolute masterpiece!
This album changed my life as a musician when I was a kid, lifelong fan
One of the best musician around for the last 20 years.. She's a phenomenon!
I have the original LP, The CD and the re-issue LP and saw her live as her 1st. LP came out. Amazing album.
This dude is as passionate as Patrick Bateman talking about Phil Collins. Keep up the good work!
Yes! Meshell is a genius … thank you for this. I did not have this album but am getting it now :)
Plantation lullaby. The groove and the messages are still relevant today.
I have this on cassette. And almost all of her albums. My friend turned me on to her back in '96. Definitely one of my favorite musicians 🎶
Meshell is amazing!! I am always so disappointed that she never makes lists of best bass players or is towards the bottom. Insanity!
She's incredible!!!💯👑🎸🤘🏿🖤🌹👏🏿
Pity we never heard about this album here in Australia back then. I guess the big golden age of hiphop stars were all we were hearing about from the States. But better late than never, great music- thanks Paul!
Not only are you an Awesome Musician in your own right but very knowledgeable. Thank you for doing these, breaking down everything for us. And I'm Smiling because you're doing this on Me'shell whom I have loved, adored, and respected greatly ever since I first heard her as a teenager. Great uploads on your entire Channel.
You’re right. Me’shell needs to be in our convos more
Found out about Meshell from a Spanish sampler album and she quickly became one of my favorites, not just as a bassist, but as a complete artist. Janek Gwizdala is obsessed with her.
I love her music, talent and way she plays that bass!!!! I bought all her music and saw her LIVE! She was and is an AMAZING SINGER AS WELL! She is SERIOUSLY underrated here in the states and abroad. Her venues she played at were crowded especially when she first came out. She was loved!
My first exposure to her was that duet with Mellencamp, and as soon as I saw her in that video, I had to go out and pick up Plantation Lullabies.
She's one of those people who gets miles of tone out of her fingers - I can't make a jazz bass sound the way she does. Totally unique and herself, and a virtuoso bassist.
Thanks for that - just checked them out. Great voice.
Great music with him. She’s fantastic!
Yeah, M'shell is one of the greatest bast player actually, not only because of her techniques but mostly because now she writes her lines. She is a great composer and arranger.
Another great artist and another great groove I wouldn’t have known without this channel. Thanks Paul, in your own words, your channel is ALWAYS GROOVIN‘
Her first two albums were amazing. I was a kid at the time, I learned to play by listening to her and Stuart Zender.
She is such a fantastic player, difficult parts with that great feel. If you want to hear her playing on something a bit different, she played on most of Joe Henry's "Scar" and added a lot of coolness.
Plantation Lullabies hit me like a train. Man, I have spent so much time trying to sound like her!
She is fantastic ! I am waiting for her next
release . I have all of her albums. Great job discussing her talents.
I totally agree and this album remains one of my favorites PERIOD! Whenever I see her name associated with any music, my expectations skyrocket always!
Wow, so glad you did this. First saw her on Soul Train performing Dreadlocks off "Plantation Lullabies" - bought this album and have been hooked ever since. Have seen her in concert here in So Cal many times and feel like she's been the secret that shouldn't be kept a secret. Keep up the good work I love what you're doing.
Seriously one of my favorite artist and albums of all time! I love me some Meshell Ndegeocello💯
Despite growing up with my parents' Yes, LZ, and Rush, it was this person that made the bass *player* stand out to me; and even though I would stay only a drummer for 30+ more years (self-taught bass 10 years ago), I still revere this album the way you do that summer camp counselor that showed you how awesome just being you is.
One of the things I really love with her is she has always had a profound understanding of the difference between a live show and an album, and views each as a distinct art form to be pursued for it's own value, and not trying to have them mirror each other. Her live shows are amazing. Her albums are amazing. But they aren't trying to be the same thing.
Thanks as she blew my mind and emotions back then . Nice to hear your guide tour. She deserves to be huge!
Remember seeing her live in London in 1997 ? Or ? What year ? Yeah . Of course she is something special and we loved what she was coming out with x
Thank you so much, Paul, for the reminder. I had to re-purchase this after checking out this vid as - and I had forgotten - someone stole my copy of this album a few years back. Great, GREAT, tribute!!!
I saw her live and will never forget it. A master bassist and performer.....
As soon as I heard "if that's your boyfriend" on MTV I bought the album. To this day it is one of my favorites.
Thank you for this! I will never forget her live performance of this album/CD back in the mid 90s- blew me away and my ears exploded...been in love with the bass ever since.
Awesome! Luv her playing, thx for my smiles @pdbass 🌞🙏🏻❤️
I remember my first time hearing her too. It was 3 AM after a gig, I was almost home and the track, Diggin' You (Like and Old Soul Record) came on. I had to go around the block a bunch of times because the DJ played about 3 or 4 more songs before saying who she was. I went to my favorite record store with my favorite, most knowlegeable record store owner and said "I heard this song on the radio the other day, her first name is Meshell…
He reached under the counter and pulled out the store copy of Plantation Lullabies, "you mean this?" He sold it to me even though the record wasn't officially released yet.
I had to buy that record 4 times because I'd loan it to people and not get it back
Saw her in concert here in Detroit 2019! She is focused and amazing live
So true - that album was\is\still is gold
Sometime ago I had a bass teacher who said I should check out her funky, FUNKY, playing. Right after the class, I went to a local store and bought "The Spirit Music Jamia: Dance of the infidel". I couldn't hear her play a lot on that one, but the beautiful music and Matthew Garrison were a very cool compensation. Later I heard "Peace Beyond Passion" and also saw her videos playing with Fiuczynski (love Screaming Headless Torsos; someone should talk about Fima Ephron on the 1995 album) and it blew my mind. She's awesome and "The Spirit Music..." is still one of my desert island records.
Isn't dance of the infidel a fabulous album.?!
Fima is amazing, love his work with Torsos, Lost Tribe, Hasidic New Wave, solo..etc Fima was also MeShell's additional bassist live. I saw Hasidic New Wave once live and Fima let me play his Fender during a break between sets too. Great guy! Fuze is a cool guy too, met him after seeing him with another great player Tony Grey.
Digging You Like An Old Soul Record! I saw her perform it live on a show on BET back in the day. And I was a fan from that moment on!!
I bought the CD when it first released.
It influenced me when I first started playing the bass around the same time.
Thanks for the analysis.
Me’shell is an incredible musician, killer bass player. She should be better known for so many reasons. Great video. Cheers.
Agreed 100%. This album is a masterpiece and is aging like a fine wine. Great pick, beautifully articulated analysis as usual.
Paul, you hit me in the head with this song. I did the same thing when I heard "Call Me' I was done......I affectionately call Meshell......"The Bad Lady." I've also requested Call Me on a couple of reaction channels, and I immediately bought the album....
I had to rewind Plantation Lullabies with a pencil on my cassette Walkman. Daily. MN is a phenom. 🎼🖤🎼
“Boyfriend” is one of my favorite 90’s tracks. Love what she does with the bass. Very underrated.
Thanks for making me discover that musical pearl !
When this album dropped my Senior year it became my healing mechanism because it got me through those in between class sessions when you're just so done with the whole Highschool thing and looking forward to College, Military or just starting your life in general.
Man, Comfort Woman is also one of those albums I show to everyone. Love Song #3 is how I begin to show my students about how far back the bass can be on the beat. Thanks for this video! Ultra funky.
Glad there's another great video out on this legend!
Peace Beyond Passion was a huuuuge influence on me back in the day. Thanks for this video!
Thank you so much for this!!Meshell has been a favorite of mine from day one. Hugely unappreciated. 👊
Love, love, love her!!! Everything you said in this is video is not a lie. Magnificent job, Paul! 💯👏🔥
Thank you Paul, you‘re giving so much insight and inspiration.
Preach my friend... TRUTH! I remember when I first this album my ears devoured it ! SO so so so Groovy
Fully agree with everything you say about her. I am sure she is an angel who fell to earth right off the sky ❤
'Call Me' is Meshell's best song in her catalog. I have listened to this song at least once a month since its release.
She is definitely bad ass! Sings, writes, composes, produce, rap, spoken word, etc, and can play her ass off! She's top tier for me as far as bass playing goes!
nice pdbass light 👍. Meshell did seem to emerge fully formed. She came out telling it, not just selling it. Conviction you can hear. Quality!
Thanks again Maestro for another killer analysis of another exceptional bassist. I played the hell out of that first album when I got it and still do until this day. Pro tip...when listening, leave a window open...because the Funk is waaaay strong on this one.
If I ever met MN, I'd morph into the late great Glenn Goins, Funk vocalist of PFunk fame and ask her, "Where'd you get your Funk from...?"
I brought her first album back in the day. (On cassette) She was ahead of her time, vocally and style. Awesome!!
You´re so right!This album is in my brain and heard!!!!Unreached!