Album of the Week: The Omnichord Real Book by Meshell Ndegeocello

Though Meshell Ndegeocello has been making music and albums using computers since the early 2000s, the pandemic created a desire to get back to the simplicity of just playing and listening. She did what any musician would; picked up the Omnichord.

Ndegeocello explains. 'The Omnichord gave me a way to work out melodies and ideas without having to look at a screen.'

The Omnichord is the world’s first electronic musical instrument, made of plastic, it's often thought of as a toy. The instrument has been used by luminaries such as Joni Mitchell, Brian Eno, Damon Albarn (of the Gorillaz) and now Meshell Ndegeocello. While it served as the base for the songs and album as a whole, it plays a minor role in the final version of The Omnichord Real Book, KAXE's album of the week.

The Omnichord Real Book is a blend of fantastic jazz, funk, R&B, afrobeat, soul and hip hop. And while jazz can at times be thought of as intimidating and elite, the presence of the Omnichord brings it to the level of all listeners. Working with collaborators from across the globe, Ndegeocello makes a huge splash with her debut record on the Blue Note Record label.