Recording of the Week, Meshell Ndegeocello - No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin

Born in Harlem in 1924, writer James Baldwin is a towering figure in American literature and social critique, who dedicated his life to exploring the intricate intersections of race, sexuality, and identity. Baldwin's works, including novels like Go Tell It on the Mountain and essays such as The Fire Next Time poignantly dissect the systemic racism and social injustices embedded in American society. His insights into the Black experience made him a critical voice in the civil rights movement, challenging America to confront its deeply rooted prejudices and inequities.

On No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin, Meshell Ndegeocello channels Baldwin's spirit and themes, refracted through her perspective as a Black bisexual woman. Her identity has always been deeply intertwined with her artistry, allowing her to explore themes of race, gender, and sexuality with a raw authenticity that resonates universally with anyone with an open mind.

The project is a testament to Ndegeocello’s unyielding commitment to pushing artistic boundaries. Known for her genre-defying music, she’s created an album that transcends traditional musical categories, merging jazz, soul, spoken word, and electronic elements to reflect the spirit and themes of Baldwin's work. The album opens with 'Baldwin', a track that sets the tone with its haunting melodies and the voice of Baldwin himself, layered over a minimalist instrumental backdrop. This introduction serves as both an invocation and establishing Baldwin's powerful presence, effectively drawing us into the thematic core of the album.

Throughout the album, Ndegeocello’s artistry shines as she navigates through intricate soundscapes. Her bass playing, always a highlight, manages to balance subtly with force, providing a strong foundation for the album’s varied textures. In 'Philosophy', for example, her bass lines are fluid and emotive, weaving through the track's lush instrumentation and spoken word segments.

One of the standout tracks, 'American Promise', features a stirring blend of soulful vocals and poignant lyrics that grapple with the elusive nature of the American dream for Black Americans. Ndegeocello's voice, rich with emotion and nuance, captures the pain and hope inherent in Baldwin’s writing. The song's arrangement, with its layers of strings and percussion, beautifully enhances the reflective and contemplative mood.

Mingus’s call to arms 'Better Get It In Your Soul' is another highlight, drawing from jazz influences to create a vibrant and dynamic piece. The track's energetic rhythms and improvisational feel pay homage to Baldwin’s love for jazz music and its role in the Black American experience. Ndegeocello’s ability to channel the spirit of jazz while infusing it with contemporary elements is a testament to her musical versatility and depth.

The album's closer, 'Go Down Moses' is a powerful reinterpretation of the traditional spiritual. Ndegeocello’s rendition is both reverent and innovative, blending electronic sounds with gospel influences to create a modern yet timeless piece. Representative of the album as a whole, 'Go Down Moses' speaks to the enduring relevance of Baldwin’s message and the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality.

No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin is a remarkable achievement that honours Baldwin’s legacy while showcasing Ndegeocello’s unique talent and vision. The album is both a homage and a call to action, urging listeners to engage with Baldwin’s ideas and the urgent issues they address. It is a work of profound beauty and significance, offering a rich and rewarding listening experience that resonates long after the final note has faded.