reads the red text on a pair of black thongs for sale next to the usual: t-shirts, stickers, posters, buttons, CDs at this week’s Me’shell Ndgeocello show at the Lincoln in Raleigh. The line comes from a song on her latest album “Cookie: The Anthropological Mixtape” which playfully tells a story of a young woman who can’t deal with a public lesbian relationship even if more ‘orally’ satisfied by the woman than her new beau. Me’shell sat at her keys for this hip snappin’, booty dipping song. Feeling quite fortunate, I headed back to Raleigh (had just been there for a great display by the Motet on Friday) for the performance with free tickets from Chapel Hill’s WXYC (say Amen if you’re down. If you’re not, they broadcast over the internet.) The triangle was blessed to host such a distinguished sister of soul, funk and R&B on one of it’s stages. Not even Boston gets a visit this fall. ..Though Me’shell is known for her bad-ass bass playing, she spent most of her energy on vocals for this gig. When she was inspired to pick up her bass, her stand in stepped back giving her the space to lead the almost rock influenced jams. I’ve gotta give props to Gabe Fonorow, x-bassist for Mad Dog Trio, for turning me on to Me’shell. I only knew of her guest playing on John Cougar Mellencamp’s “Wild Nights” from way back. Anyway, Gabe claimed her to be the female version of Prince. More political and most definitely sexier, this R&B star, equipped with an indescribably seductive voice, is far from timid. She speaks, sings (or whispers when appropriate) her comments on the fucked up priorities of our commodity culture, our ongoing racial struggles, and even the differing sexual dynamics of lesbians and heterosexuals. If you’ve not tuned in to her, you should. Check her out at www.meshell.com for video clips, samples, dates, projects, etc…Since the hip hop/R&B/soul scene is lacking in the graces of tapers, (don’t know if taper or artist is responsible for this unfortunate reality) one really should check out her studio works: Plantation Lullaby, Peace Beyond Passion, Bitter (the most mellow of all, sounds like a break-up album,) and Cookie.
And speaking of funk, Me’shell’s opening band, Stump, was damn impressive. Local to Raleigh, this funk trio was lead by a another beautiful sister who demanded attention with her passionate presence. Artist, author, educator, bass player and vocalist, Shirlette Ammons delivered the political lyrics with the rhythmic finesse of an accomplished rap artist. For more info about dates, books, artwork, or their recent EP, “The Intoxication of Makedo Funk,” see www.Stumphole.com. I’ll be waiting for another appearance…
Unfortunately, the Datgeek couldn’t make it to this gig, so he’s been kind enough to let me review it for him….Thank you my favorite taper man. Hope to write for you / ya’ll another time…jnh
(Posted 10-18-2002 From the JulaHoop - Julia)
