The prescience of James Baldwin is alive nearly forty years after his passing, a testament to his enduring impact. A prolific writer, his essays, novels, plays, and poetry have assessed and often reproached the human condition. As an activist, his oratory prowess in the 1960s was bar none, lending his outspoken views on Black oppression with profundity and eloquence. Born in New York City on August 2, 1924, this year marks the centennial of the eminent writer, a momentous occasion that is celebrated by the release of one of MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO’s most intrepid efforts to date: No More Water: The Gospel Of James Baldwin.

With No More Water, Ndegeocello embarks on a prophetic musical odyssey that transcends boundaries and genres, delving headfirst into race, sexuality, religion, and other recurring themes explored in the celebrated writer’s canon. Following 2023’s The Omnichord Real Book, her acclaimed debut for Blue Note Records which won the inaugural GRAMMY Award for Best Alternative Jazz Album, the multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and producer renders an immersive and palpable document that is as sagacious, unabashed, and introspective as Baldwin was in life.

Jake and Abe

JAKE AND ABE — Jake Sherman and Abe Rounds  — announce their new LP Finally!, out October 25, 2024. With Finally!, Jake and Abe create a musical paradise that channels the smooth sophistication of classic 70’s sounds while introducing an innovative twist. Imagine if Stevie Wonder produced a Loggins & Messina album or if The Isleys collaborated with Captain & Tennille.

Both seasoned musicians, Jake and Abe are members of Meshell Ndegeocello’s band, where they forged a strong bond. In 2024, Abe won a GRAMMY for co-producing, writing, and performing on Meshell’s *Omnichord Real Book*, awarded “Best Alternative Jazz Album.”

Abe’s career highlights include work with Rick Rubin, Blake Mills, and Mark Ronson, recording with Sheryl Crow, Peter Gabriel, and Lizzo, and scoring Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon”. He also performed with Joni Mitchell at the Hollywood Bowl in October, 2024.

Jake Sherman, a master of the keys with a decade of gospel organ experience, has made significant contributions as the writer and pianist on Rosalía’s GRAMMY-winning “Hentai” and the organist on Chance the Rapper’s “No Problem.” He’s collaborated with Nick Hakim and Bilal and toured with Andrew Bird, Blood Orange, and others. 

Jake and Abe met while working with Meshell Ndegeocello in 2016, bonding over their shared musical passion. Their new LP Finally! reflects seven years of collaboration, showcasing their unique blend of influences and marking their long-awaited release.

“Wow I jsut love Jake and Abe. Two superlative musicians who play with affection and humor!” – Meshell Ndegeocello