Brightest Young Things

All words by:Andrea McPherson
all photos: Jati Lindsay

After a series of not-so-Meshell performances in Washington, DC where fans walked away under-whelmed, her release concert at the Black Cat on Thursday, October 8^th promised to be a return back to the singer known for her ephemeral style. Despite her latest shows, from the looks of the crowd Meshell’s music still has the ability speak to all factions of society.

To kick things off, local producer and Grammy nominated artist, Kokayi and the newest version of his band, The Ceasarz headlined the show.  With a sound that is far from streamlined, The Ceasarz’ rocked out with the utmost of efficiency with a mix of funk, hip hop and rock; a perfect addendum Meshell Ndegeocello’s release for her latest creation, Devil’s Halo [Mercer Street Records].

As lead singer of The Ceasarz, Kokayi who is already a permanent facet in DC’s music scene and quickly becoming a local icon, seemed to be well received at the show and left the audiences’ ears ringing with his potent lyrics, “I love you girl, so out that thing away, put those bullets down,” as he wrapped up his set. Judging from the range of songs presented the Ceasarz one and only EP “All Hail,” a clever namesake given the group’s name, is an eclectic and witty juxtaposition words, instrumentals talent and charm. Backing up Kokayi is Jon Laine on drums, Ezra Greer on bass, Darryl Perry on guitar and Cam Jus holding it down on the turn tables.

As the stage lights dim and transform to red, humbly and without fuss, Meshell steps in front of the mic. The crowd erupts, but Meshell’s movements remain unaffected as if blind to her anxious fans waiting before her. There is something about the intimacy of this venue that would not transcend on a larger stage. Watching Meshell sing, one gets the feeling that she’s in heaven while in her own music; her presence is effortless. Yet ironically, as each song concludes, she transforms into someone else entirely and the vulnerability looms over her head like a halo.

Although the accompanying music is like icing on a gourmet cake, her lyrics are some of the most pertinent, gut-wrenching heartfelt masterpieces. It’s evident that she injects her real life into her art, “I hope you all die young … make it up as I go, make it up as you go … I always pick the wrong way it feels like …”

As if hypnotized by the vibrations of the drums, Meshell leans her head back with eyes shut and seems to take in her surroundings. Her drummer, Deantoni Parks is undoubtedly in the zone as he pounds out an inaudible, but tangible message. Here, they are creating more than just music and the audience can feel it, too. Meshell and crew make love with each and every note and surround the spectators with their sound, making it leap off the stage and into the atmosphere.

Meshell's set is an interplaying of old and new songs, both familiar and unfamiliar to her fans and they're all taken in stride, but when the first musical phrases for, Fool of Me begin, the crowd becomes evermore enthusiastic and is compelled to sing along. This only speaks to the breadth of her talent to either be deliberately obscure or mainstream. Her deep and incredibly rich tone is what really reels people in. She has obviously taken time and grown into her own with this new album and has somehow gotten the courage to really experiment and develop a sound that's still Meshell, yet somehow different.

Guitarist Chris Bruce, bassist Mark Kelley and keyboardist Keefus Ciancia and drummer Deantoni Parks all seem to be the perfect yings to Meshell's yang. As the night winds down, there is a sense that the audience wants more as the musicians unplug instruments and exit the stage. It’s obvious that they are in want of more, but they’re satisfied.

She is an artist that is completely transparent.  She should be mainstream for the sake of more exposure, but she's not and you wish she were. Whatever her position in the wayward music scene, one thing is apparent, our Meshell is definitely back.

Previously in Live DC:

• 5/24: LiveDC: The Adicts @ RNR Hotel
• 5/24: LiveDC: The Donkeys @ Black Cat
• 5/23: LiveDC: The Barr Brothers w/ Kishi Bashi @ The Hamilton
• 5/23: LiveDC: Damien Jurado @ Black Cat
• 5/23: Report: Soundbites 2012
• 5/22: LiveDC: Spirit Animal @ Red Palace
• 5/22: LiveDC: Astra Via @ Black Cat
• 5/22: LiveDC: Father John Misty @ Rock & Roll Hotel
• 5/22: LiveDC: Drive-By Truckers and Lucinda Williams @ Merriweather
• 5/22: Photos: Summer Camp takes the "Ladies of Town" Drag Show