Words and photos by Nicole Sacks
Festivals like these do not have an opener, but Meshell Ndegeocello made sure that Abe (her drummer) and Jake (her pianist), known together as Jake & Abe, had their time to shine before she took the stage. They were ever so grateful for being able to showcase songs off of their new album titled Finally. The title was inspired by the moment they told Ndegeocello they had finished the album after seven years, and she said “finally,” the pieces fell into place.
These two boys have an extremely sweet presence. The audience got the chance to meet them after the show, you could tell how deeply they appreciated everyone who showed up. Jake and Abe are not just musically talented, they had the whole theater laughing as they sang about using a crosswalk or jaywalking.
Abe said “I was always told I was born with big ears… nice to be in a community where big ears are appreciated.” Jake started playing a groovy organ and keys as Abe played what they referred to as a “leg shaker” along with the bongos and electric guitar. Every single one of their songs were crowd pleasers as they sang the lyrics “A good man is hard to find, if she doesn’t give consent a good man will say goodnight.”
As Jake & Abe’s opening act came to a close, we got an always loved uproar for the wonderful stagehands.
Ndegeocello took the stage as we heard a voice-over that sent everyone into a state of meditation: “They live in terrible darkness. You are responsible to lighten that darkness. You can only take if you are prepared to give.” These words gave the crowd a perfect sneak peek at the peace, reflection, and depth that was to come.
Throughout the show, Ndegeocello read personally selected passages from a blue James Baldwin book that her latest album No More Water: The Gospel Of James Baldwin was inspired by, connecting her songs to the readings. Ndegeocello’s music is storytelling on another level, and she has a power to portray messages in a certain way that captivates everyone in the room, helping us all reflect and think about certain things.
Now, to share some extremely notable words from the show in songs, voice-overs, and in between: “Put down your gun, take your hands off me. Hatred destroys so much; once the hate is gone they will be forced to deal with pain just beneath the surface. He’s just like you. Death is the only fact you have.”
Along with the power, meaningfulness, and beautiful chaos of this show, the talent could not be ignored. Every person on stage brought their own skills and unique ways to build this music from start to finish as Ndegeocello shredded the bass and Abe had numerous props on his drum set while controlling the sound and stories we heard over the speakers. The range of songs and emotions will
forever hold a special place in time in the Big Ears Festival at Tennessee Theatre on Friday, March 28.
