From the Bottom: Meshell Ndegeocello’s Perfect Groove
In this episode, I break down my favorite track from Meshell Ndegeocello’s 1993 debut album, Plantation Lullabies (Maverick), and the three ways she makes a perfect groove on three different instruments in one song.
I’ll also break down what makes her playing style so unique and personal and why she is one of the most unheralded bass heroes of the last 30 years.
Paul Thompson has been playing bass professionally for over 30 years, including recording and touring stints with trumpeter Maynard Ferguson and saxophonist Stanley Turrentine. Recent playing credits include Bob Reynolds, John Pizzarelli, Jeff 'Tain' Watts, and Bob James, among others. Currently, he can be seen playing in and around the Pittsburgh, PA area with the THOTH Trio, the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra, and many other musicians in the city's rich Jazz community. An educator of over 25 years, Paul currently teaches Jazz Bass at Duquesne University, West Virginia University, and his alma mater, Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12 Performing Arts School.
Connect with Paul on Instagram, Twitter, Youtube, and his website.
