Meshell Ndegeocello’s latest project serves as a profound homage to James Baldwin, blending music, celebration, and social commentary into an evocative and boundary-pushing experience. And the actual release date marks the centennial of Baldwin, the influential writer and activist whose work continues to resonate. No More Water is a multifaceted journey that encompasses elements of a church service, a testimonial, and a call to action. Ndegeocello, known for her transformative music and collaborative spirit, dives deep into themes of race, sexuality, and religion - core elements of Baldwin’s work. The album is as insightful and provocative as Baldwin himself, creating a special space for reflection and conversation.

Following her 2023 Blue Note debut, The Omnichord Real Book, which won the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Jazz Album, Ndegeocello continues to push the envelope with No More Water. Co-produced with guitarist Chris Bruce, the album features a stellar lineup of guests, including vocalist Justin Hicks, saxophonist Josh Johnson, keyboardist Jebin Bruni, drummer Abe Rounds, and vocal powerhouse Kenita Miller-Hicks. Additional contributions come from keyboardists Jake Sherman and Julius Rodriguez, and trumpeter Paul Thompson, the Executive Director of the NYCPS Arts Office. Adding even more to the album are the powerful spoken word performances by poet and activist Staceyann Chin and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hilton Als. Their contributions underscore the album’s themes and pay tribute to Baldwin’s legacy as a voice for social justice and personal freedom.

Ndegeocello’s visionary approach to No More Water serves not only as a musical experience but also as a celebration of Baldwin’s life and work, inviting listeners to engage with the same boldness and introspection that Baldwin championed. With its release on Baldwin’s centennial, No More Water: The Gospel Of James Baldwin is poised to be a significant cultural moment, echoing Baldwin’s call for justice and equality in a way that is both timeless and urgently relevant.