From: owner-god-shiva-digest@smoe.org (god-shiva-digest) To: god-shiva-digest@smoe.org Subject: god-shiva-digest V2 #89 Reply-To: god-shiva@smoe.org Sender: owner-god-shiva-digest@smoe.org Errors-To: owner-god-shiva-digest@smoe.org Precedence: bulk god-shiva-digest Monday, December 13 1999 Volume 02 : Number 089 Today's Subjects: ----------------- Re: Bitter Videos??? ["Patrick Saunders" ] Me'shell in Seattle [Mike Theiss ] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sun, 12 Dec 1999 17:28:12 -0800 From: "Patrick Saunders" Subject: Re: Bitter Videos??? Well Sorta, other than the core support of Me'Shell's seemingly underground following, her new cd has gotten almost now major promotion (at least in the video and/or mainstream) context. No singles from the cd have been release or seem to even be planed to be released?-I think "Gace" was though but again no single to buy nor video. I know she doesn't do many but on the previous 2 cds she had at least 2 videos/singles. These types of things get word out on a cd are crux in helping promote it. I gather her record company either 1) doesn't care for a myriad of reasons 2) is too small to promote multiple high profile people simultaneously. P - ---------- > From: Christopher Washington > To: Patrick Saunders > Subject: Re: Bitter Videos??? > Date: Saturday, December 11, 1999 8:28 PM > > >ya know I just thought of something.. > > > >WHYYYYY haven't we seen any vidoes on TV for Bitter???? > > Because maybe "Bitter" is a cohesive ALBUM meant to be played in its > entirety and not collection of singles for those who watch Total Request > Live. Personally , I see it as a soundtrack for a cool ass movie that > hasn't been made yet. Also, since Meshell is not getting any radio play > except for public radio like KCRW(L.A.) & KPFA(Berkeley, CA) , Maverick is > probably thinking why bother which is sad. > > peace, > > Chris > > > ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 13 Dec 1999 00:32:49 -0800 From: Mike Theiss Subject: Me'shell in Seattle I have to concur with Juice Mason's comments about Me'shell's live set. I have been following Me'shell since shortly after the release of her debut album. The show I saw here in Seattle last night was the fourth time I've seen her perform, and I've seen at least one show in support of each of her albums as they've been released over the years. The show was great! As a funkateer myself, I have to admit that I was a little bit dissapointed by "Bitter". Not that it's bad, but it's just not the type of album that makes me want to learn to do a back flip to properly celebrate the albums release. The first two albums completely blew me away, and I'm sorry "Bitter" just didn't do that for me. I respect her desire to expand into other territories, but I sincerely hope she throws down some more funk on future albums --- the genre needs her. Which comes to my point. Even if she doesn't throw down funk on her most current record, don't think she ain't doing it when she takes the stage! The show last night started up with all new stuff: "Grace", "Wasted Time", "Satisfy", "Faithful"etc. and I was getting a little nervous that she wouldn't get in enough of the older, funkier more soulful material. But in the latter half of the show she concentrated on the older stuff and really threw down as I've come to expect from her in the past. Very intresting slow mellow version of "Shoot'n Up and Gett'n High", great new arrangement of "Diggin' You". Totally over the top performance of "Deuteronmy: Niggerman" including an incredible free jazz outburst as part of the arrangement etc. Me'shell started the song off on her bass, then after playing the song for a few minutes they faked an ending then came back in on the groove, but this time with Federico playing the bassline on his Moog! The encore was "The Way" and it was a great arrangement with a section in the end where she took everyone "to Church". She explained that her church was different and that she didn't care about denominations, "we do Christmas, Channukah, we don't care..." She said her church is about "cleansing your heart, leaving your shit behind". Also, instead of baptizing with water, in her church she simply asks that everyone in the crowd "put your hands together". "If That's Your Boyfriend" was absent from the set, interesting enough. I can't complain though. Let me also say that Me'shell has one of the best bands out there supporting her: Federico Gonzales Peņa -- keyboards Oliver Gene Lake -- drums Allen Cato -- guitar Brian ? -- 12 string guitar Fima Ephron -- bass Alfredo Mohica (sp?) -- percussion All of these guys are amazing musicians. Federico, like Me'shell is from DC and came out of some of the great Go-Go bands in that area. Gene Lake is an accomplished drummer who has played with everyone from Marcus Miller to D'Angelo. Fima Ephron is (was?) part of a great band called the Screaming Headless Torsos which also features David Fiucynski and Daniel Sadownick (check the credits on Me'shell's records for those names...) I hope Me'shell features her touring band more on her next record, maybe she'll do a live album at some point. They really made the tunes from "Bitter" come to life in a live setting. I wish she would have included them more on the recordings, particularly Federico as he makes the songs sound a lot more soulful. Does anyone know anything more about "Brian", who was playing 12-string? Last name? Has he played with anybody else,etc. Anyway, the show was great, as I have come to expect. Needless to say, if she comes to your town you don't want to miss out! Also --- when she came out to do the encore Me'shell said "This one goes out to Matthew who did the most amazing web site. Glad your back." Is the site back up? Maybe it has a different URL? ------------------------------ End of god-shiva-digest V2 #89 ******************************