Meshell Ndegeocello is hailed by The New Yorker as “the most significant bassist this country has produced since the advent of Charles Mingus and Flea.” Yet, this only scratches the surface of her extraordinary impact on the American Songbook. A native of the D.C. area, Meshell has consistently prioritized originality over genre, longevity over celebrity, and musical truths over fleeting trends. Her fans have come to expect the unexpected as she explores soul, R&B, jazz, hip-hop, and rock, all driven by a quest for love, justice, respect, and resolution. For over 30 years, her sonic explorations have challenged and reshaped expectations for women, queer artists, and Black musicians. Meshell is among the few women who write the music, sing the songs, lead the band, and produce the albums. Her latest work, “No More Water,” is a collaborative homage to James Baldwin, featuring poet Staceyann Chin and the musical trio The HawtPlates.
On Sunday, March 23 at 8:30 pm, as part of its American Songbook series, Lincoln Center presents a special night showcasing the fruits of a life’s work still in progress. For more details on this and other upcoming events at Lincoln Center, please visit its website here.
Image provided courtesy of Lincoln Center
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