Meshell Ndegeocello releases collaboration‑rich album 'Synonym

Jazz bassist and singer Meshell Ndegeocello will issue her new album Synonym on October 2 via Blue Note. The record returns to a covers format and opens with a rendition of “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)” featuring Broadway star Cynthia Erivo.

Synonym assembles a wide‑ranging roster of guest artists, including Cat Power, Chaka Khan, Brandi Carlile, Bill Callahan, Chris Thile, Nick Hakim, Robert Glasper, Madison Cunningham, Laura Lee, Lizz Wright, Emily King, Lianne La Havas, Moses Sumney, ANOHNI, Willow and many others. Ndegeocello describes the project as “an expression of queer liberation as a synonym for liberation of all kinds,” drawing on Audre Lorde’s idea that struggles are interconnected. The album follows her 2023 Omnichord Real Book and 2024 No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin, and showcases reinterpretations of classic songs across folk, soul, country, R&B, rock and hip‑hop styles.