Meshell Ndegeocello* – No More Water: The Gospel Of James Baldwin

This album is spectacular, sonically and conceptually. The pressing is very good, and the music, politics, poetry work very well as an album concept. James Baldwin was an interesting cat, and his book The Fire Next Time is definitely worth reading (note: it’s a small book for those who don’t reach much)

Meshell Ndegeocello*....she is a ""poor righteous teacher"'.....which I believe/feel her goal is accomplished that on all her projects. "M-Ndege" is a muse from the ancestors who channel her for wonderful humane expression sonically. To try and define this album misses the point....to listen "without prejudice" seems to be always be her goal for her audience thus this work. THis project like all of her projects are a sit down with an extremely intelligent Human Being (if U are the smartest person U know then U need to loose Urself)....and channeling "James Baldwin/JB" in this gem of intellect which is priceless with Miss Jenita Miller, StaceyAnn and others adding wonderful alternative voices and vibes. Meshell Ndegeocello*....keep doing your work....the Ancestors and the Universe are fond of U! I must see you in concert....and it will happen....I'm not a fan(natic) but appreciate Ur intellect as a fellow musician...so thanks for the introspection and thoughtful spaces you provide myself and others to communicate in. Timm & OdD-ZeRo

An N'Degeocello release in my mind is an event and merits a serious listen. Just as I have fully digested the Omnichord Songbook from two years ago, and last Winter's Sun Ra tribute for the Red Hot organization (both wonderful and recommended releases), she gives us a new project a tribute to the works of author James Baldwin - "No More Water". With her latest, MeShell moves from strength to strength. This is a confrontational, provocative, and prescient work. She has released a full meal which deserves attentive listening, as it is replete with challenging and transcendent materials - stiring and anthemic songs that are interspersed with spoken word passages from poet Stacey Chin. This album is coming out at a time when our culture is in the throes of a reckoning and a possible awakening (my hope). While this type of music may not appeal to everyone, it should be required listening as it raises real issues about our times. First impression, this is really an important masterwork. Meshell serving as an ensemble leader, she generously allows the members of her troupe to take center stage as collaborators. Meshell's presence is at times muted but always felt. No More Water is an evolution of her sound and musical signatures. It is at once familiar and an upgrade. The musicality is overall at a Master's level and the production veers more towards a live sound which makes me anticipate hearing this played out. In an era of canned, devolve music, this is truly an oasis. Music with a unapologetic perspectiveI and point of view that invites critical engagement while being moving and informed by love. I have the tangerine indie retail store vinyl variant. It's a wonderful pressing on 180 gram vinyl. The pressing is quiet and dynamic. Big soundstage and very detailed. I'm not sure who did the mastering, but kudos! A highlight of the year for sure.