ALBUM OF THE WEEK ON MARLBANK FOR WEEK BEGINNING 19 JUNE 'Virgo' heralding release proved Afrofuturistically funky and a beckoning from another universe. That is one point of entry here. But there are so many ways in. A deft way of shifting the tectonic plates of what you might expect operates even when you feel in a safe space settling into a jazzfunkilyR&BAfrojazz mélange of such originality. There is no one like bass guitarist, singer, composer, bandleader Meshell Ndegeocello here with her first album for Blue Note. Joining the American is an interesting array of guests from various backgrounds - Josh Johnson, Jade Hicks, Deantoni Parks, Jeff Parker, Cory Henry, Joan As Police Woman on the oh so tender 'Gatsby', Joel Ross, Jason Moran, Thandiswa, Brandee Younger, Julius Rodriguez, Hanna Benn, Ambrose Akinmusire, The Hawtplates and World Saxophone Quartet legend Oliver Lake. 'Perceptions' featuring Jason Moran is the ultimate pick here and proves mesmerising, calming and challenging. The two Hawtplates tracks lift us higher into a very spiritual domain and 'Vuma' is so scintillating, the South African sounds sliding us effortlessly on to the dancefloor by adding a vital expansiveness and sense of swaying propulsion. Ndegeocello's anarchic beat on ''things fall apart oh happy day'' song 'Burn Progression' featuring Blue Note trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire is yet another significant highlight. Essential. Out today. Meshell Ndegeocello, photo: Charlie Gross