Meshell Ndegeocello's PERFECT Groove
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- Опубліковано 25 січ 2025
- #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
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!
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!
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....
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!!!
My musical ear wanders, but always returns to Me'shell. That's love!
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!!!
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 UA-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 UA-cam?
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!
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.
Plantation lullaby. The groove and the messages are still relevant today.
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.
Her grooves and arrangements are genius. Big fan of her work.
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!!
She is an amazing gifted musician that is highly underrated and often overlooked. Very ahead of her time .
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.
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).
Plantation Lullabies hit me like a train. Man, I have spent so much time trying to sound like her!
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! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
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......
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 have the original LP, The CD and the re-issue LP and saw her live as her 1st. LP came out. Amazing album.
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 👊🏾🤘🏾🙏🏾!!!
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.
Great work on the transcription. Meshell is the Queen of Bass.
Word...
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.
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!!!
One of my favorite artists. Had the joy of seeing her perform Plantation Lullabies live years ago
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.
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
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'm a pianist but I so love this bass channel! Thanks a lot for what you bring us!
Fantastic tribute to one of my favorite artists and records! Your channel is crushing PD!
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
This album changed my life as a musician when I was a kid, lifelong fan
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. 😍
5:27 awesome, Paul. Thank you!
The first neo-soul project...period.
Meshell Ndegeocello doesn’t get enough credit man! She is definitely one of favorites!
Saw her in concert here in Detroit 2019! She is focused and amazing live
She's incredible!!!💯👑🎸🤘🏿🖤🌹👏🏿
Thank you for pointing out this unappreciated monster album that I have been enjoying for years!!! Plantation Lullabies blends funk, jazz and hip.hop rap like very few others. M N'd kills it here! I love your description and explanation of her bass style. Whenever someone hears this album they say " WOW, WHO IS THAT!!!! " She is surely and unsung genius in every since of the word..I never tire of listening to this and several other of her works.
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!
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!
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!!;
This is my favourite album of all time! The lyrics, the feel, an absolute masterpiece!
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.
I loooooooove Me'shell! Seeing her this Friday!
One of the best musician around for the last 20 years.. She's a phenomenon!
Glad she's still doing her thing!
One of the GREAT ladies of bass.👌🏾🏆
Yes! Meshell is a genius … thank you for this. I did not have this album but am getting it now :)
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 🎶
Preach my friend... TRUTH! I remember when I first this album my ears devoured it ! SO so so so Groovy
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!
I saw her live and will never forget it. A master bassist and performer.....
Thanks as she blew my mind and emotions back then . Nice to hear your guide tour. She deserves to be huge!
So true - that album was\is\still is gold
Her first two albums were amazing. I was a kid at the time, I learned to play by listening to her and Stuart Zender.
Awesome! Luv her playing, thx for my smiles @pdbass 🌞🙏🏻❤️
She is fantastic ! I am waiting for her next
release . I have all of her albums. Great job discussing her talents.
So cool ! Thanks for reminding us Meshell, been a really long time.
This dude is as passionate as Patrick Bateman talking about Phil Collins. Keep up the good work!
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!
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.
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‘
Seriously one of my favorite artist and albums of all time! I love me some Meshell Ndegeocello💯
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!
Thanks for making me discover that musical pearl !
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.
Glad there's another great video out on this legend!
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!
Fully agree with everything you say about her. I am sure she is an angel who fell to earth right off the sky ❤
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.
Very first clip with Fuze on guitar!!! Man, I remember those days…
Love it...
Completely in love with this album!
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.
Thank you so much for introducing me to great music!
Thank you Paul, you‘re giving so much insight and inspiration.
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.
Thank you for giving this amazing talent the shine she deserves
Indeed. 🌻
Magnifica.💖💖💖💖💖💖
Peace Beyond Passion was a huuuuge influence on me back in the day. Thanks for this video!
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.
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!!
Totally agree with your choice of " call me"❤❤❤❤
WOW. Me'shell is incredible! Thanks for introducing me to this amazing album.
You´re so right!This album is in my brain and heard!!!!Unreached!
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.
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.
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! 💯👏🔥
Agreed 100%. This album is a masterpiece and is aging like a fine wine. Great pick, beautifully articulated analysis as usual.
I brought her first album back in the day. (On cassette) She was ahead of her time, vocally and style. Awesome!!
I saw her live in San Diego, an evening of beautiful music. Highly recommend live, too.
110% agree with everything in your analysis. This album blew me away when it came out, and no one was listening to it back then; Crazy! Thanks for posting!
Love your show, keep grooving. So glad to see you highlight Me’shell, such an under-appreciated talent. She is 1 of 1.
This was a fantastic video! I will go get the Plantation Lullabies album, and study it! Thank you so much!
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.
Oh she is one of my favorite bass players ever! thank you so much for this review... I think she deserves at least one more analysis of other song. Thanks!