In this episode of the ‘Broken Record Podcast,’ host Justin Richmond interviews the extraordinary Meshell Ndegeocello, a musician who defies categorization. Known for her mastery as a bassist, insightful songwriting, and dynamic leadership, Meshell’s career has been anything but ordinary. After beginning as one of the premier artists on Madonna’s Maverick Records in the ’90s, she now finds herself on Blue Note Records, releasing albums that reflect her complex artistic journey.
Last year, she released ‘The Omnichord Real Book’, and in 2024, she’ll unveil ‘No More Water: The Gospel of James Brown’, a tribute to the late James Baldwin and Audre Lorde, two iconic Black American thinkers. Meshell’s upbringing in Washington, DC, a city rich in both cultural and political influence, has profoundly shaped her artistry. In her music, she merges genres and ideas, much like DC itself blends Go-Go music and intellectual discourse.
Joining the conversation is drummer Abe Rounds, a longtime collaborator who has also worked with artists like Andrew Bird and Blake Mills. Abe sheds light on what it’s like to work closely with Meshell, emphasizing the trust and collaboration within her band. They explore Meshell’s musical evolution, her move from intense performance styles to a more mature, thoughtful approach, and the influence of Cuban music in her transition from a bassist to a songwriter and bandleader.
In the interview, Meshell also reflects on the importance of balancing technology use, like limiting phone time, to create space for creativity and personal growth. The conversation continues with commentary on the role of producers and collaboration with notable musicians, such as Paul Riser, who wrote arrangements in taxis for ‘What Becomes of the Brokenhearted’, and the challenges of making her album ‘Bitter’, which was initially rejected by her label for not being “Black enough.” The discussion touches on the evolution of music production, from analog to digital, and the value of full performances versus pieced-together recordings.
