We witnessed another fine display from the funkiest band in the land: Prince and the NPG. Drove down from Connecticut with Electric Man at the helm, "Upper Room" co-host Gi Dussault, Francine Dussault and David "DW" West. Nice to see Mothership Mike and NYC singer Lisala prior to the show.

Our seats were in Section 123- Row AA, Seats 1 and 2. First row on the floor and right in front of the band's entrance and underground workings. Thanks to the NPGMC for the seats. We really got to see the behind the scenes action of a concert. Maceo Parker and Greg Boyer playing the horn parts offstage during some songs. John Blackwell had "4Ever JIA" written on his left upper arm. Greg Boyer praying before hitting the stage. Maceo's manager right at the foot of the stage.

Highlights:

1) The opening song. It's always a thrill and a goosebump moment when the lights dim and Prince hits the stage. From the first time I saw Prince onstage on the 1999 tour in Hartford, Ct til 21 years later, it never gets old.

2) Prince's great form and exuding a joy for the stage. He gave a lot of love to Jersey all night. Playfully interacted with audience members. At one point, he sidled up to a sexy female dancer onstage right in front of here and Prince picked up here shoe and threatened to throw it in the crowd. Prince also high-fived many dancers onstage.

3) The Music: The band all excels on their instruments and this tour is always a challenge to a musician to keep it exciting. From my radio interview with Greg Boyer, the show has been rehearsed in advance
just to know the catalogue and Prince's often-changing cues. A+++ to Prince and the NPG for making this show as is it was the only show on the tour.

4) Prince exquisite guitar playing in the acoustic set. "Prince and the Band" and of course, hearing "Adore" on guitar is a nice change of pace. His voice was in fine stead all night. The funk staples "D.M.S.R" and "Let's Work" are timeless.

5) Prince's gratefulness at the end of the show. He walked up to all four runways of the stage and said thank you to the fans. And, he really meant it.

My brother Electric Man and I discussed that no matter how busy Prince is he still will never phone a performance in. Prince knows he is bad but shows why time again by exuding really musical excellence. Plus, the brother looks sharp. Prince and the NPG were really vibin' tonight and enjoying playing music together. The smiles and winks between them was infectious. Prince was really digging Blackwell's spectacular drum solo during " Shhh" .

Two songs that I love that have beem thumped up on this tour: "Kiss" and "Sign O The Time" . I love the new arrangements on these.

After " Purple Rain" finished", the horn section came by and shook hands with us and Stanley "Chance" Howard came by and gave me a hug and we had a small conversation thanking him for the night of great music.

Much thanks to Prince and the NPG, Prince and the NPGMC, and the Musicology tour staff. I spoke with the stage director and he asked him if they had to break down the stage after the show to bring it to Hartford, CT and back to Jersey this weekend. He said. "Yes, it's part of the job." So, they are all troupers. And, much love to the Continental Arena ticket window staff and ushers and usherettes. Nice people.
[This message was edited Sat Jul 17 9:43:11 2004 by JoeKelley]

Hi Joe,

Glad to see you had such a good time. Can't wait for my turn in Sept.

JoeKelley said:

Joe I was there right down front too! The floor seats were amazing! Prince and the band tore the place up last night! He looked good and sounded better! John Blackwell was in the house last night! It was so incredible, I feel like I'm waking up from a dream!

The NJ concert on 7/16 was sooooo awesome!!! I went to the Las Vegas/Tiger Jam concert. Last night was 20 times better. The crowd was really energized. I think Prince was really suprised about the energy of the crowd. We were in the second row right in front of Rhonda [and she is funky]. Great seats. Great show. I'm sure I will have deeper thoughts later. My mind is still blown....

Nothinbutjoy said:

Nothinbutjoy, I am sure you will have a great time. Which show are you attending?

Peace
Joe

adorable2 said:

Too bad we couldn't have said hello. Glad you had a nice time.