The critically-acclaimed Meshell Ndegeocello pays tribute to one of the greatest singer-songwriters of all time, Nina Simone, in her latest recording. This inspired, genre-defying recording is full of haunting vocals, gorgeously rich harmonies, fleeting bass rhythms and hypnotic percussion. “Producing the album with her longtime guitarist, Chris Bruce, she placed emphasis on the brooding cohesion of a band that otherwise features Jebin Bruni on keyboards and Deantoni Parks on drums.
At her label’s behest she welcomed a small array of guest vocalists, including Toshi Reagon, who demolishes a rave-up version of “House of the Rising Sun”; Sinead O’Connor, who wryly simmers on “Don’t Take All Night”; and Cody Chesnutt, who’s radiantly soulful on “To Be Young, Gifted and Black.” For “Be My Husband,” a song whose psychological subtext made it a priority for Ms. Ndegeocello, she used the rustic young folk singer Valerie June. But the most intriguingly shaded voice on the album belongs to Ms. Ndegeocello, who apprehends Simone’s legacy with curiosity and stubbornness — as well as a keen appreciation of her political stance…” – NY Times