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Fair warning to those who may pick up this album because of the name on the spine: While this is indeed a Meshell Ndegeocello album, it is Meshell Ndegeocello like fans have never heard her before.

In fact, you won't. She doesn't speak or sing on this entire CD.

Sheryl Nields (ENLARGE)
Meshell Ndegeocello doesn't speak or sing on 'The Spirit Music Jamia: Dance of the Infidel,' but her presence shines through.
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JAZZ Meshell Ndegeocello "The Spirit Music Jamia: Dance of the Infidel." Shanachie. 8 tracks. Grade: A-

Instead, Ndegeocello leaves the occasional vocals to the Brazilian Girls' Sabina, who lends wisp and sweetness to the somewhat loopy "Aquarium." Cassandra Wilson beckons huskily, wonderfully, on "The Chosen." And Lalah Hathaway delivers the crisp, piercing, stunner — a cover of "When Did You Leave Heaven."

Surprisingly, the exceptional bassist also hands off one of the most prominent bass solos, to fitting substitute Matthew Garrison.

What makes this Ndegeocello's project — beside the producer and composer credits— is its spirit. "Luqman" crackles with the musicianship of her otherwise forgettable last two CDs, "Cookie" and "Comfort Woman." "The Chosen" and "Heaven" are sleepy romancers on par with Ndegeocello's early classic singles "Outside Your Door" and "Stay." And the 11-plus minutes of "Papillon" and "Al-Falaq 113" have all the daring of her mostly acoustic CD "Bitter," and more range than she may have exhibited, ever.

— Sonia Murray