Istanbul prepares to host Meshell Ndegeocello at Tamirane

Hatice Utkan ISTANBUL

10-time Grammy nominee Meshell Ndegeocello will perform at the Istanbul concert as part of her European tour

Meshell Ndegeocello, a leading artist in the neo-soul movement and a 10-time Grammy nominee, will perform at Tamirane on Nov. 26 as part of a European tour promoting her new album, “Weather.”

“Weather,” Ndegeocello’s ninth album, showcases her iconic style and was released Nov. 8 on “Naïve” records. Once again, she continues to defy boundaries between jazz, soul, hip-hop and funk with her new material.

According to Ndegeocello, singing and playing bass at the same time is a difficult task because they work using very separate parts of brain. “I did not begin to sing until after I began trying to be a bassist,” she said during a recent interview with the Hürriyet Daily News.

For the Nov. 26 concert, Ndegeocello will take bass, vocal, guitar and piano duties while being accompanied by Jebin Bruni on keyboard, Chris Bruce on guitar and bass and Deantoni Parks on drums.

As a singer, songwriter, prolific composer, multi-instrumental band leader and bass player, Ndegeocello has received critical acclaim throughout her 20-year music career. Receiving 10 Grammy nominations, she has been called one of the leading figures of the neo-soul movement.

Hailing from Washington D.C. and known for her activism, she has collaborated and performed with a catalogue of artists, including The Rolling Stones, Herbie Hancock, Prince, Alanis Morrisette, Madonna, Lenny Kravitz, George Clinton, Marcus Miller and many more. Her lyrics often tackle politics and sexism, a reflection of her activism. Ndegeocello is accompanied by a band of very talented musicians.

Ndegeocello said she has recently found herself less impressed by people in politics or by those who have great fame. “My heroes and heroines are personal, unsung and quiet leaders,” she added.

A graduate from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, she signed with Madonna’s label, Maverik Records, and released eight albums over 20 years.

Asked about music and performance, Ndegeocello said: “My thoughts are simple, just to make the best art you can and be an honorable person. Enjoy what you do and treat your audience and band with kindness and respect.”

Favorite pop music icon

Ndegeocello has also been known to perform some of her arrangements of Prince’s music. “Prince is my favorite pop musician. I learned a lot listening to Prince and he reminds me of why I wanted to play music,” she said.

Technical problems are not a problem for a musician like Ndegeocello. Whenever she has had difficulties, she said she tried to remember that people paid hard-earned money to hear her music.

“People are coming to my concert to have an experience with me and the musicians so I just try to find the new paths to where I want to go,” said Ndegeocello, adding that sometimes she succeeded and sometime she failed. “But in the end, I am the victor for just having tried,” she added.

 The show at Tamirane, which is part of the Garanti Jazz Green concerts series, will provide a chance for a lucky few to be the first to hear “Weather” in a live setting