I don’t want to presume too much, but there’s a good chance you already know Meshell Ndegeocello…regardless, given the remarkable span of her roughly 20 year career and her moving new Joe Henry produced album, Weather, she bears re-introduction.
A 10 time Grammy nominee, the sultry voiced, critically acclaimed bassist and singer-songwriter, has worked with a spectrum of artists ranging from John Cougar Mellencamp to Madonna, from The Rolling Stones to (this writer’s favorite collaboration with) Basement Jaxx.
A stalwart KCRW favorite and in so many ways emblematic of the eclecticism that is woven into KCRW’s DNA, Ms. Ndegeocello’s new album is a soulful alt-pop gem.
The album is excellently sequenced and at times has a loping, trip-hop tempo and at other times has contemplative torch song vibe. But, the whole thing consistently burns brightly with an air of romantic desire.
With a total running time of around 45 minutes and with most songs clocking in at the pitch perfect pop time of 3 minutes, Weather is the kind of album that is going to be in your cars’ CD player for a longtime. It’s versatile and perfect as either balm for 405 traffic stress or for cruising late night drives to meet your crush. Look for Weather in early November.