Bridges On The River Allen Toussaint & Meshell Ndegeocello

The great bond that Allen Toussait and Meshell Ngedegeocello share is almost certainly their limitless curiosity and sense of adventure. Meshell Ngedegeocello was born in Berlin to a jazz musician, and from the start of her career she set off on a dizzying journey through musical genres. She has played with Chaka Khan and Prince as well as Santana, Paul Simon and John Mellencamp. And let’s not forget Herbie Hancock, Jack De Johnette and Cassandra Wilson. She is one of the best bass players in the scene and most certainly one of the best songwriters.

Allen Toussaint is one of the most outstanding characters in song – criss-crossing musical terrain apparently without hindrance.  He wrote for the soul diva Irma Thomas and for Solomon Burke, he worked with Wily De Ville, Paul McCartney and Elvis Costello, and his songs have been interpreted by Robert Plant and Allison Krauss, by The Hollies and Glen Campbell.  And last but not least, he produced what is considered the most scandalous soul hit of the seventies: Lady Marmelade (Voulez-vous coucher avec moi) by Labelle. Astonishing. Playful. Hot.

»Allen Toussaint is argualbly the most significant practicioner of New Orleans music alive. As a songwriter, pianist, producer and arranger, his influence on contemporary soul, R & B and rock places him – almost without peer – at the heart of 20th century American Music. Ms. Ndegeocello is one of R & B and rocks most ambitious, poetic and least catagorizable artists working today. Both artists have waded into the waters of the human condition in ways both social and personal. The bridge they share is music that is as intensely soulful as it is singular.«
Joe Henry