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Meshell Ndegeocello: Gatsby

By Scott Lichtman
February 10, 2024
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For 2024, the Grammys introduced a new category for Best Alternative Jazz Album, i.e. a genre-blending, envelope-pushing hybrid that mixes jazz with other styles. The first winner is Meshell Ndegeocello for The Omnichord Real Book. While Ndegeocello's pieces span jazz, hip hop, African, folk, and electronica influences, she's also capable of writing beautiful ballads. Have a listen to "Gatsby." Is it a fresh perspective on the classic novel The Great Gatsby or perhaps a reflection about her life... or yours? Regardless, it's lyrically cutting: "Trapped in the future, that's so far ahead; I live in the past and I'd rather pretend; it isn't real."

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Jazz/fusion keyboardist & autograph collector in Stamford CT.

About Meshell Ndegeocello

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