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Meshell Ndegeocello’s Genius in Plantation Lullabies
Meshell Ndegeocello is a talented and influential bass player and singer-songwriter who has made a significant impact on the music industry.
One of Meshell Ndegeocello’s most notable works is her 1993 album “Plantation Lullabies,” which was released to critical acclaim and earned her a spot on the Billboard 200 chart, where it charted at number 166.
Released in 1993, “Plantation Lullabies” was released during a time when the music industry was undergoing significant changes. The early 1990s saw the rise of alternative and indie rock, as well as the emergence of hip-hop and R&B as mainstream genres. Additionally, the industry was still recovering from the impact of the compact disc, which had replaced the vinyl record as the primary format for music consumption. At the same time, there was a growing number of women and people of color in the industry, particularly in the fields of R&B, hip-hop, and alternative music. This increased representation helped to bring more diverse perspectives and voices to the mainstream. In that sense, Meshell Ndegeocello, a black woman, was one of the voices that helped to break barriers and bring more diversity to the music industry.
One of the standout features of “Plantation Lullabies” is Ndegeocello’s innovative and masterful use of the bass guitar. On tracks like “I’m Diggin’ You (Like an old Soul record)” (the album opener), “Dred Loc” and “Soul On Ice”, Ndegeocello showcases her impressive technical skills and ability to create complex, yet minimal and nuanced bass lines that drive the music forward.
But “Plantation Lullabies” is more than just a showcase for Ndegeocello’s musical prowess – it’s also a deeply personal and political record. Throughout the album, Ndegeocello tackles themes of race, sexuality, and identity with honesty and vulnerability, using her music as a platform to speak out against injustice and discrimination. In the R&B and hip-hop scene, at the time, there was a wave of socially conscious and politically charged music that was emerging. Themes such as race, class, gender and sexuality were addressed by all sorts of artists. In that sense, Meshell Ndegeocello’s “Plantation Lullabies” aligns with that context and it was seen as a socially conscious and politically charged album that addresses themes such as race, sexuality, and identity.
One of the standout tracks on the album is “If That’s Your Boyfriend (He Wasn’t Last Night),” which addresses issues of infidelity and consent in a way that was groundbreaking at the time. The song became a hit, and its relatable and thought-provoking lyrics helped to solidify Ndegeocello’s reputation as a talented and insightful songwriter.
In conclusion, “Plantation Lullabies” is a groundbreaking and influential album that showcases Meshell Ndegeocello’s undeniable genius as a musician and artist. Its impact can still be felt today, and it remains a testament to Ndegeocello’s talent and vision. The album not only deals with personal and political themes that were groundbreaking at the time but also features some of the most killer bass lines, that stood the test of time, and are great for practicing technique, groove and time.
This album is a must-listen for any music fan, and its message and sound continue to resonate with audiences today.
Plantation Lullabies is available at Amazon.com
Gear News
New Gear: Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Internationally renowned bassist ALBERTO RIGONI (soloist, BAD AS, Vivaldi Metal Project, TwinSpirits, etc.) is proud to announce the release of his signature bass VPR5 made by renowned Italian luthier Gaetano Costanzo!
The bass is entirely handmade in Italy, without the use of CNC or other machinery, and has rather special features. The VPR is a 5-string bass (but also available as a 4-string) with 30 frets, Seymour Duncan pickups, Music Man Alnico style, passive electronics (volume, tone and a switch to select series/parallel/single-coil mode), alder body, and American maple neck and fingerboard. Gotoh tuners that ensure perfect intonation. The bass is totally painted white (nitro finish) but other colors can be requested. The VPR has a weight of about 2.9 kg and suitable for any genre.
For more information contact Gaetanobass77@gmail.com or visit online at www.instagram.com/gaetanocostanzoluthier or www.facebook.com/GaetanoCostanzoLuthier
Bass Videos
Interview With Bassist Graham Stanush
Bassist Graham Stanush…
Return to Dust is keeping Grunge alive and well! They have a new self-titled album that went out on May 3rd, 2024 and will be super busy promoting this project in the near future.
Graham Stanush is the bass powerhouse driving their sound and adding vocals to the mix. Join me as we hear all about Graham’s musical journey, details about the new album, how he gets his sound and their plans for the future.
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Bass Videos
Review: CrystalBright Rombo Picks
CrystalBright Rombo Picks
PR SamplePlaying bass with a pick is still a touchy subject in our community. I believe you should be able to use whatever you need to get your sound. Even though I mostly play with my fingers, I like to check out innovative new picks that might have something new to offer, sonically speaking.
Judith and Carlos from Rombo recently contacted me about a new material called CrystalBright that they have been researching for the last 12 months and offered to send some prototype picks. After trying them out, I put together this video with my findings.
For more info check out @rombopicks
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This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Check out our top 10 favorite basses on Instagram this week…
Click to follow Bass Musician on Instagram @bassmusicianmag
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Gear
New Joe Dart Bass From Sterling By Music Man
Sterling by Music Man introduces the Joe Dart Artist Series Bass (“Joe Dart”), named after and designed in collaboration with the celebrated Vulfpeck bassist.
Above photo credit: JORDAN THIBEAUX
This highly-anticipated model marks the debut of the Dart bass in the Sterling by Music Man lineup, paying homage to the Ernie Ball Music Man original that all funk players know and love. The bass embodies many of the original model’s distinctive features, from its iconic minimalist design to the passive electronics.
The design process prioritized reliability, playability, and accessibility at the forefront. Constructed from the timeless Sterling body, the Dart features a slightly smaller neck profile, offering a clean tone within a comfortable package. The body is crafted from soft maple wood for clarity and warmth while the natural finish emphasizes the simple yet unique look.
Engineered for straightforward performance, this passive bass features a ceramic humbucking bridge pickup and a single ‘toaster’ knob for volume control. Reliable with a classic tone, it’s perfect for playing in the pocket. The Dart is strung with the all-new Ernie Ball Stainless Steel Flatwound Electric Bass Strings for the smoothest feel and a mellow sound.
The Sterling by Music Man Joe Dart Bass is a special “Timed Edition” release, exclusively available for order on the Sterling by Music Man website for just one month. Each bass is made to order, with the window closing on May 31st and shipping starting in November. A dedicated countdown timer will indicate the remaining time for purchase on the product page. Additionally, the back of the headstock will be marked with a “2024 Crop” stamp to commemorate the harvest year for this special, one-of-a-kind release.
The Joe Dart Bass is priced at $399.99 (MAP) and can be ordered globally at https://sterlingbymusicman.com/products/joe-dart.
To learn more about Joe Dart, visit the official Vulfpeck artist site here https://www.vulfpeck.com/.
Interview With Bassist Graham Stanush
Review: CrystalBright Rombo Picks
Preparing for Performance with Dr. Randy Kertz
Interview With Bassist Erick “Jesus” Coomes
