Meshell Ndegeocello's PERFECT Groove

#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.
Website - www.paulthompson.us
Instagram @pdbass74
Twitter @pdbass74

[@RonSmith472]

Bruh... she went into instant deep cut status with her first album. She makes music for musicians.

[@SHENDOH]

🎯

[@redshift5665]

Exactly. From Day One.

[@jcsolomon6470]

I know,if you See the Name Meshell Ndegeocello,ya know it's bad ass!

[@diogesesmore9874]

Nah. She births music for the SOUL!

[@DiogoBaeder]

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!

[@junkandcrapamen]

And Muzz Skillings was the perfect bassist for LC. Win win!

[@Weshopwizard]

@@junkandcrapamenkiller player!!!!

[@patfinn2697]

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!

[@DiogoBaeder]

@@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.

[@erasmososa6861]

@@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!

[@charlesdrake3125]

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.

[@michaelstephens3009]

Yes indeed

[@diogesesmore9874]

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

[@djcoolcliff]

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!!

[@hahabass]

Wow! Thanks for sharing this. Bless.

[@djcoolcliff]

@@hahabass No doubt!!!! Most certainly welcome!

[@bobouzala]

Great story, thx! RIP Wah Wah ❤️

[@tat2dhethan]

Amazing history, RIP 🙏 They were fantastic musicians on that tour

[@bigbeats1]

He did huh....

[@willb1157]

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.

[@squidito2534]

Agreed!!

[@seansherrod8725]

RIGHT…?!!? This brother right here is NO JOKE!!! I appreciate his channel so much!!!

[@DanieldaSilva-dm7jd]

This is the greatest music channel. I don't even play bass but the references and harmonic tips you bring are so great. Meshell, for example, was totally unknow for me. Cheers from brazil 👏👏👏

[@MrClassicmetal]

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.

[@GregSchroederJr]

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!!!

[@mitchmitchell9588]

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!

[@simonhodgetts6530]

Yes I have - she was unbelievably good!! It was on her 2000 tour………absolutely superb!

[@ejstar8917]

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!!

[@alexfeatherstone8854]

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 KZbin exists! Killer artist and you're right, a phenomenal debut.

[@johanponin8680]

yeah Fuze and Gene Lake.. world class lineup

[@LL-bl8hd]

Wow I need to check that out. They're on KZbin?

[@puma4322]

This album blew my mind when it came out. Soooo overlooked. Thanks for putting this together.

[@battlegroundone]

I had to go see her live, her lines are tight and funky

[@geoffm3031]

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.

[@mikshank5039]

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!!;

[@latonyahemingway3752]

She is an amazing gifted musician that is highly underrated and often overlooked. Very ahead of her time .

[@BassmanTeo]

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 👊🏾🤘🏾🙏🏾!!!

[@TheTones10]

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!!!🔥🔥🔥❤️🔥🔥🔥

[@nicholastotoro7721]

I remember *Outside Your Door* was on the radio a *ton* back then. Even her voice... damn...

[@trevorm8415]

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.

[@joechampion4484]

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! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@sanderzuidhoek6694]

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

[@spyderj3756]

You can DEFINITELY draw a direct line from Bernard to her!

[@austinstyles6393]

Her grooves and arrangements are genius. Big fan of her work.

[@adamredmond6255]

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!

[@wolfgangsaller5843]

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!!!

[@deskwerks]

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!

[@delightschwartz2155]

She'd have totally got bored there.

[@deskwerks]

@@delightschwartz2155 I guess that's possible. We had to leave early due to my guest's feet failing (from the standing room only deal).

[@pedroalbelo9928]

Plantation lullaby. The groove and the messages are still relevant today.

[@wwddwi2183]

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✌🏿🔆♾👍🏿

[@thejenniferc]

I love everything about this comment and couldn't agree with you more.

[@bloophero]

My musical ear wanders, but always returns to Me'shell. That's love!

[@churchattheendoftheworld9719]

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.

[@charleslouis1665]

One of my favorite artists. Had the joy of seeing her perform Plantation Lullabies live years ago

[@nyabinghidjehutti8855]

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.

[@triplesod3760]

Her first two albums were amazing. I was a kid at the time, I learned to play by listening to her and Stuart Zender.

[@Derfunkmeister]

I have the original LP, The CD and the re-issue LP and saw her live as her 1st. LP came out. Amazing album.

[@DaddyBooneDon]

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

[@RaiderClarke312]

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......

[@TheTilde]

I'm a pianist but I so love this bass channel! Thanks a lot for what you bring us!

[@tommyknapp895]

Plantation Lullabies hit me like a train. Man, I have spent so much time trying to sound like her!

[@aurakodiac7386]

This album changed my life as a musician when I was a kid, lifelong fan

[@lindabrown4790]

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!

[@lightaces]

One of the things I really love with her is she has always had a profound understanding of the difference between a live show and an album, and views each as a distinct art form to be pursued for it's own value, and not trying to have them mirror each other. Her live shows are amazing. Her albums are amazing. But they aren't trying to be the same thing.

[@altrogeruvah]

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!

[@nicholastotoro7721]

Fuze!!!! Glad I wasn’t the only one who thought of him! Very glad!!!

[@scatnav]

She has a pocket deeper than a clown.

[@Smoothpocket]

Meshell Ndegeocello doesn’t get enough credit man! She is definitely one of favorites!

[@bankjibbernow]

One of the best musician around for the last 20 years.. She's a phenomenon!

[@drlohertz8233]

I remember my first time hearing her too. It was 3 AM after a gig, I was almost home and the track, Diggin' You (Like and Old Soul Record) came on. I had to go around the block a bunch of times because the DJ played about 3 or 4 more songs before saying who she was. I went to my favorite record store with my favorite, most knowlegeable record store owner and said "I heard this song on the radio the other day, her first name is Meshell… He reached under the counter and pulled out the store copy of Plantation Lullabies, "you mean this?" He sold it to me even though the record wasn't officially released yet. I had to buy that record 4 times because I'd loan it to people and not get it back

[@GinjaNinja77]

This dude is as passionate as Patrick Bateman talking about Phil Collins. Keep up the good work!

[@jdbailey442]

Meshell is amazing!! I am always so disappointed that she never makes lists of best bass players or is towards the bottom. Insanity!

[@simonbowkett124]

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.

[@mistersample]

Great work on the transcription. Meshell is the Queen of Bass.

[@RaiderClarke312]

Word...

[@1koolkat1]

You’re right. Me’shell needs to be in our convos more

[@lundsweden]

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!

[@olymoon2008]

Yeah, M'shell is one of the greatest bast player actually, not only because of her techniques but mostly because now she writes her lines. She is a great composer and arranger.

[@charlescarr2869]

She's incredible!!!💯👑🎸🤘🏿🖤🌹👏🏿

[@troytolbert2005]

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 🎶

[@darrylpowell8247]

Glad she's still doing her thing! One of the GREAT ladies of bass.👌🏾🏆

[@Scodiddly]

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.

[@claptrap3030]

This is my favourite album of all time! The lyrics, the feel, an absolute masterpiece!

[@gabrieln3613]

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!

[@DiabolikalFollikles]

I had to rewind Plantation Lullabies with a pencil on my cassette Walkman. Daily. MN is a phenom. 🎼🖤🎼

[@christofjork8446]

As soon as I heard "if that's your boyfriend" on MTV I bought the album. To this day it is one of my favorites.

[@dbmay1975]

“Boyfriend” is one of my favorite 90’s tracks. Love what she does with the bass. Very underrated.

[@amusicment4829]

Yes! Meshell is a genius … thank you for this. I did not have this album but am getting it now :)

[@briankelly1123]

When this album dropped my Senior year it became my healing mechanism because it got me through those in between class sessions when you're just so done with the whole Highschool thing and looking forward to College, Military or just starting your life in general.

[@masbass1011]

I fed myself a steady diet of this record when i was younger. Her melodies and vocal are equally impressive.

[@mikebassy]

Remember seeing her live in London in 1997 ? Or ? What year ? Yeah . Of course she is something special and we loved what she was coming out with x

[@RoneySmithseedoflife]

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!

[@strat0871]

The one I love from Meshell : The way, on "Peace beyond passion" album..

[@disgruntledfaerie]

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.

[@willb1157]

Thanks for that - just checked them out. Great voice.

[@matthw633]

Great music with him. She’s fantastic!

[@SeanSloan]

Owned since it came out.

[@beatjuggernauts3828]

'Call Me' is Meshell's best song in her catalog. I have listened to this song at least once a month since its release.

[@BrunoMigliari]

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. 😍

[@mockbattles]

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.

[@pauly1605]

So true - that album was\is\still is gold

[@nathaniellollis3868]

I've only seen Meshell play once on a TV commercial years ago. And haven't heard anything more about her. I left NY in 2011 and am living in the South now. They don't play much of any of the jazz/funk/soul stuff on the radio down here (which truly does SUCK IT!!!). But she impacted me strongly when I heard/watched her playing on that commercial.

[@thatbmorechickfoodiecookin500]

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.

[@spyderj3756]

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!!

[@BeatofHerDrum]

I saw her live and will never forget it. A master bassist and performer.....

[@coreycongilio]

Fantastic tribute to one of my favorite artists and records! Your channel is crushing PD!

[@pdbass]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@mv11000]

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‘

[@hamacus]

Seriously one of my favorite artist and albums of all time! I love me some Meshell Ndegeocello💯

[@heirling25]

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.

[@nicholastotoro7721]

Very first clip with Fuze on guitar!!! Man, I remember those days…

[@jazzpunk]

Love it...

[@lomicwind]

Thanks for making me discover that musical pearl !

[@hahabass]

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!!!

[@peterdvideos]

Her song Beautiful is beautiful. Her singing in that Funk Brothers documentary is out of this world.

[@Another_Broke_Musician]

"All hail the Queen". My sister hipped me to Me'Shell when "If That's Your Boyfriend..." was on the charts. I'd been a bass player for 15 years at that point and was pretty tuned in to different music and playing styles. Me'Shell blew me away. She is the funkiest, most soulful bassist I've heard. Her songwriting and singing are stellar. I've got to shout out "The Way" on 'Peace Beyond Passion". Tough subject matter, but that song, and that album hit the dead center of my groove place.

[@jmcbeady8210]

She is fantastic ! I am waiting for her next release . I have all of her albums. Great job discussing her talents.

[@Bass.sick.b1tch]

This woman is amazing and this albums is one of my faves

[@Meekismwisdom]

Saw her in concert here in Detroit 2019! She is focused and amazing live

[@peekaboo4390]

She knocked my socks of with this album.

[@richardbooth6909]

Thanks as she blew my mind and emotions back then . Nice to hear your guide tour. She deserves to be huge!

[@jasonrafalak]

Peace Beyond Passion was a huuuuge influence on me back in the day. Thanks for this video!

[@terencemcclain3367]

She is definitely bad ass! Sings, writes, composes, produce, rap, spoken word, etc, and can play her ass off! She's top tier for me as far as bass playing goes!

[@imbykji]

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.

[@jcrogers3854]

YES YES YES !!!!

[@jamesmarie]

The way Meshell plays and the way ani difranco plays. Two instruments but the musicians are one of a kind.

[@gerry4805]

Plantation Lullabies was a wonderful introduction to Meshell, displaying her immense talent as a bassist, vocalist and songwriter. But the her album, BITTER reveals how truly gifted she is as a musician and the lyrics show the depth of her soul!

[@siberian5564]

I brought her first album back in the day. (On cassette) She was ahead of her time, vocally and style. Awesome!!

[@edjefferson9175]

Worked at one of her apperances in Minneapolis during the early 90's. Groove NEVER faltered for even one single moment! And she sings at the same time? Ridiculous.

[@StringBath]

NOW WE’RE TALKINNNNNNNNN THE LEGENDARY LEGEND !!!!!!

[@benoitruaud8909]

I totally agree. She is the best bassist !