The omnichord is a strange instrument. When you see it in action on stage, the first thing that comes to mind is a keytar, those synthetic guitars with keyboards from the 1980s. However, the omnichord, which appeared in the same decade, was modelled on plucked instruments such as the zither, which explains its slightly rounded shape. Bassist Meshell Ndegeocello has taken up this moderately popular electronic instrument for a special project: a new Real Book, a collection of jazz standards to play and improvise over. Unlike a conventional real book, which usually contains the works of various composers, all the contributions on »The Omnichord Real Book« are written by the musician herself. These take the form of concentrated, soulful R&B jazz numbers, stylistically linked in different directions, sometimes performed solo, sometimes in medium-sized formations. Her collaborators include fellow musicians such as guitarist Jeff Parker, who is always brilliantly relaxed despite his busy schedule, harpist Brandee Younger, who is similarly self-effacing, pianist Jason Moran and singer Joan Wasser, aka Joan As Police Woman. The music flows with a calm groove, Meshell Ndegeocello’s pieces have something open about them, moving wondrously between floating and swimming without seeming detached. One can only wish that they become new standards.
Julian Lage
Speak To Me
Blue Note