Meshell @ Variety Playhouse

Funky lesbians rule

by j. brotherlove

Just like Anitra, I can hardly contain myself until Tuesday.

So, I shot out of Gig #2 early to meet Wood at the Variety Playhouse to see Meshell Ndegeocello. I was surprised to see Man & JJFad in attendance, as well. The concert was predictably on point. However, it was evident that the crowd anticipated hearing more of her classics rather than just material from her new release.

Even as more lesbian artists break into success, Meshell still stands out as one of the most talented and most vocal. She caused a number of conservative fans to squirm with her frequent candid tales of girl watching and cunniligingus. But she won them all back with her other hard-hitting socio-political lyrics.

The vibe this time around: funky. And I mean the type of deep funk that many artists aspire to but often miss (including Prince, whose “funk” is often mannered). Meshell laid it down, musically and lyrically; incorporating funk, blues, reggae and free jazz into her two-hour set. Ironically, her encore performance of first single “Pocketbook” (slammingly remixed by Missy Elliot and Rockwilder, and featuring Redman and Tweet) didn’t carry over well, live. I hope she switches to original version.

But, the best part about attending concerts like these - other than vibing and flirting with an abundance of mega phoine men and women (*pant* *pant*) - is getting the jump on other concerts with similar vibes. The buzz is all about the upcoming performance by this brotha with this sista as the opening act. WHOO!

Also… Opening act Doria Roberts played a very well-received set and gained quite a few, new fans in the process (including me). Anyone who enjoys Rebecca (hear that, Lopez?), Cree Summer, Tracy Chapman and other black folk chicks should give her a spin.

So what that everyone else in the free universe has been able to see Me’Shell but me? So what that the one time I could’ve seen her, I was fatefully out of town?

I’m not bitter. I’m moving to a large city. I WILL see her live.

Bro, I got a copy pre-ordered. I will be there bright and early to pick it up. You best believe. Outside of Lauryn Hill’s Unplugged, it is the album I have waiting for most in the last couple of years. :)

Make that TWO people in the free universe. Unfortunately, activism took a front seat and I had to pass… * sigh *

Meshell at Variety.. my very favorite place to see her. *sigh*

Unless she decides to come to Vancouver, I guess I’ll never get to see her perform live again. *cries*

i saw her (for the 8th time) in cleveland on may 21…ohhhh, what a treat. the album is her best yet (imho). and i too love that “if jesus was alive today” line. *grin*