Meshell Ndegeocello RAD Night 2
Grammy-winning bassist, vocalist, and composer Meshell Ndegeocello presents "The People's Playlist," an evening devoted to protest music and the American tradition of artistic resistance during times of upheaval. As SFJAZZ's Resident Artistic Director, Ndegeocello follows her acclaimed "No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin" performances with this specially curated program featuring special guest vocalist Josh Lane of Thee Sacred Souls.
Ndegeocello's music defies easy categorization, blending soul, jazz, funk, reggae, hip-hop, and rock into a sophisticated sound that helped spark the neo-soul movement of the 1990s. Her 13 albums as a leader showcase her evolution from the breakthrough "Plantation Lullabies" to her recent Grammy-winning "The Omnichord Real Book" and the James Baldwin-inspired "No More Water." Known for her outspoken advocacy for social justice and LGBTQ+ rights, she brings both musical sophistication and political consciousness to every performance.
On stage, Ndegeocello commands attention through her quiet intensity and emotional range. Reviews describe her as creating an almost living room intimacy even in larger venues, moving effortlessly between calm optimism and barely contained fury. Her performances weave together multiple musical styles within single sets — from electronic folk to psychedelic rock to punk-soul — all anchored by her distinctive bass playing and rich, contemplative vocals. The evening's focus on protest music promises to showcase her gift for transforming songs into vehicles for social commentary and healing.
Joining Ndegeocello are her touring band including Chris Bruce on guitar, Jake Sherman on keyboards, Abe Rounds on drums, and Justin Hicks on vocals, whose harmonies with Ndegeocello and Rounds create what critics call "glistening three-part harmonies." The addition of Josh Lane, vocalist from the acclaimed soul group Thee Sacred Souls, adds another layer to an already rich vocal tapestry.
Expect an evening that balances musical virtuosity with meaningful social commentary, as Ndegeocello explores how music has served as both witness and catalyst during America's most turbulent moments. Her ability to create what one reviewer called "an enveloping aesthetic experience" suggests a night where protest and artistry merge into something both challenging and deeply moving.