Eclectic is one way to describe the artistry of Meshell Ndegeocello. Her latest, Comet, Come to Me, is filled with examples, including her unique take on Whodini’s “Friends” and the soul-inspired “Conviction.”
The first music video from Comet is “Shopping for Jazz.” Within the clip, Meshell appears to not stray too far from character as she portrays a performer singing up ditties at a grungy local bar. But the video takes a different turn when a woman, who appears throughout the clip yelling at Ndegeocello, lands a solid smack against her face for crimes we viewers are never privy to. Is she a past or current lover? Is she the other woman? Has she simply had too much to drink?
Viewers can only guess throughout the quick-changing scenery of the clip that plays over the song’s country twang and ethereal tone. The scene changes the melody’s mood and the perception listeners might have initially taken upon first listen, but we have no doubt that was probably Meshell’s plan from the start.
