Plantation Lullabies

Plantation Lullabies

ASIN: B000002ML4

Editorial Reviews
From Jazziz
In the 1990s, bassist and vocalist Me'shell Ndegéocello took the music world by storm. That storm's winds blew so hard, they threatened to knock down the walls that separate jazz, funk, R&B, and hip-hop. On "Step Into the Projects," from 1993's Plantation Lullabies, Ndegéocello managed a sound that expressed rage, beauty, and coolness with a brand-new vibe - one that carries a vital thread of black music into the future. She was aided by some of mainstream jazz's brightest stars, including saxophonist Joshua Redman and pianist Geri Allen. Redman, in particular, was so enthralled with her achievements that he donned a journalist's hat to interview Ndegéocello for JAZZIZ's April 1997 cover story.

Tracks:

Plantation Lullabies
I'm Diggin' You (Like An Old Soul Record)
If That's Your Boyfriend (He Wasn't Last Night)
Shootin' Up and Gett'n High
Dred Loc
Untitled
Step Into The Projects
Soul On Ice
Call Me
Outside Your Door
Picture Show
Sweet Love
Two Lonely Hearts (On The Subway)

Customer Reviews:

The spark..........2007-06-28

of the so-called neo soul movement in the early 90s. This record was a breath of fresh air and was an introduction to one of the few free thinking black artists to emerge with some degree of success post-Prince. Her whole style was new fresh, jazzy and funky; poetic & thought provoking, and she plays a mean bass. But this was only the beginning, Meshell has not waivered in being one of the most progressive soul artists out there; she still is today. Best tracks: "Shooting up & getting high", "Soul on Ice", "Step into the projects" & "Two lonely hearts on the subway".
Maxwell would later mimic her style of opening up the CD/LPs with a short instrumental overture and the unexpected breakdowns in the middle of songs. Highly Recommended~!

Real Music.......2007-05-13

Somehow, somewhere there must have been a bad storm that killed all soul from musicians. But thankfully there was Noah who built an Ark and had Me'Shell Ndegeocello and Neo-Soul on board. That saved soulful people to still in the mist of all this crap music produce and bless us with music straight from the heart. Where ever Me'Shell is, I'll rush over.

Pleasantly Surprised.......2007-05-12

I first heard of Me'Shell NdegeOcello after hearing her vocals and bass on John Mellencamp's rendition of Wild Nights. Over the next few years, I occasionally heard of her stellar reputation as a musician, but I hadn't heard any of her work. I must say I was pleasantly surprised after purchasing Plantation Lullabies. I can't begin to accurately describe her work, but experienced it as a soulful fusion of styles that evoked often overlooked or supressed emotions. While listening, it felt like I was accompanying MeShell on a journey with no particular destination, just roadtripping for it's own sake. Probably not very helpful, but you should get this one anyway.

MeShell is the Truth!!!.......2007-03-08

For all Ndgeocello fans this one is a must have as is all of them. I am ashamed to say how long I had it on cassette before I finally bought it on CD. Her deep soul searching, right at ya style wrapped in jazz and based on the classics.. Enough said!!!

Plantation Lullabies.......2007-02-19

Listening to this album again, I had the same thought that I had in 1993 -Me'Shell was so far ahead of her time that although this debut created a buzz, she did not get the accolades that she so richly deserved at the time. She successfully married hip hop, r&b, jazz & funk and definitely busted open the door for her successor, Lauryn Hill whose MISEDUCATION OF LAURYN HILL followed.

Both artists have beautiful singing voices and above average rap flows and both debut albums touch on their individual personal experiences - while Lauryn's detailed her ill-fated romance on more than a few tracks, Me'Shell's touched on social ills like racism, intra-racial strife & yes, love as well.

Although my favorite Me'Shell album is BITTER, this is a terrific debut that will keep listeners interest from the first to last track - I honestly can't pick one or two favorite tracks because they're all so good.

I hate to compare artists but for those who've never experienced Me'Shell, if you loved Lauryn Hill's debut, you will definitely enjoy PLANTATION LULLABIES.

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