MESHELL, MY BELL
“Free like a bird,” the Swahili meaning of the eclectic singer-songwriter and rapper Meshell Ndegeocello’s last name (pronounced N-dee-gay-o-cello), describes the essence of her No More Water/The Fire Next Time; The Gospel of James Baldwin performance at The United Theatre on Broadway presented by CAP UCLA. Inspired by American writer and civil rights activist James Baldwin’s incisive 1963 polemic about race in America, the work is part church, part spoken word, and part protest. Described by Ndegeocello as “a space where love and hate can live together, or pain and comfort, or shame and pride, entertainment, ritual, and duty can live together and foster well-being,” the evening had the structure of a church service mingled with the randomness of a happening.
Meshell Ndegeocello
Beginning with a black-and-white image of American writer and civil rights activist James Baldwin projected on the screen behind the band platform washed in midnight blue, the mood enhancing projections included video, poem stanzas and lyrics, and even a throwback to the liquid light shows from the ’60s. Ndegeocello led her fellow artists through the theater aisles to the stage, all wearing white choir robes (one of which had the phrases “BLACK JOY,” “FUCK RASCISM,” and “WOMANISM” written on it), where after an introduction/sermon inviting us to stand, dance, and shout out, the program alternated organically between readings of Baldwin’s writings and other poetry by Staceyann Chin, heated social commentary, and a mix of soul, R&B and spiritual music.
Staceyann Chin
Kenita Miller-Hicks, Meshell Ndegeocelo, Justin Miller-Hicks
Ndegeocello’s ensemble filled the house as if it was an orchestra. The musicians include Jebin Bruni on keyboards and synthesizer, and keyboardist Jake Sherman. Actor Justin Miller-Hicks offered textured, complicated, beautiful, and rich vocals with his luminous wife Kenita joining in. Chris Bruce on electric bass, Josh Johnson on guitar and sax, and Abe Rounds on drums rounded out the multi-talented ensemble. Ndegeocello’s electric bass was at the heart of the performance.
Keyboards: Jake Sherman; Drums: Abe Rounds; Vocals: Meshell Ndegeocello,
Vocals: Kenita Miller-Hicks; Guitar: Chris Bruce; Vocals: Justin Hicks; Keyboards: Jebin Bruni
The performance was equally thought-provoking, anger-inducing, and love-encouraging, and while I wish I heard her sing more, I enjoyed the event that Ndegeocello created. I especially liked the handout with a white card and a pencil to write down thoughts, wishes, or things for which we are grateful, to leave in bags as we exited the theater. It was a nice communal way to conclude the night.
photos by Kevin Yatarola from 2022 Symphony Space concert, NYC
(Meshell Ndegeocello’s Facebook)
Meshell Ndegeocello
No More Water / The Fire Next Time; The Gospel of James Baldwin
presented by CAP UCLA
The United Theatre on Broadway, 933 S. Broadway in DTLA
(formerly The Theatre at Ace Hotel)
reviewed Saturday April 13, 2024
tour continues; for more info, dates and cities, visit Meshell
