Purple Reign
Seductive Prince thrills crowds at both Walker, Le Rendezvous
by Dinah Clarkson

- Winnipeg Free Press, Friday, June 7, 2002

"For those of you hoping to get your Purple Rain on tonight, you've come to the wrong place," Prince told the nearly sold-out crowd at the Walker Theatre last night.

Two hours later, he played Purple Rain anyway.

Call him what you want, but don't ever call his Royal Purpleness predictable.

As he warned, those who shelled out $150 in hopes of hearing the greatest hits would have been mostly disappointed.

Then again, disappointment would have been impossible during last night's show.

Opening with the title track from his most recent jazz and funk inspired album, The Rainbow Children, Prince went on to play an intricate mix of jazz, funk and blues, showing the audience why so many of today's neo-soul acts - Alicia Keys, Jill Scott, and just about everyone else - cite him as a major influence.

He was jaw-droppingly amazing on guitar and effortless on piano.

But Prince was at his most seductive when he simply sang behind the mic.

Dressed in a purple suit and crisp white shirt, he elicited screams from women and, when he inexplicably walked down one aisle during the opening song, had fans lunging at him from their seats, desperate to cop a feel.

Sure he's tiny, he's a bit weird, he appears to be wearing make-up. But his sex appeal is undeniable. In recent years, Prince has become a Jehovah's Witness. He no longer plays the racy songs that made him famous - like Sexy Mother fu--ker and Little Red Corvette - and he reportedly vowed to never perform 1999 during the new millennium. But as he strutted and purred on a stage littered with silk pillows, draped velvet and burning incense, there was no shortage of sexuality.

"If you wanna be alone," he sang during one blues jam, "I'd like to watch."

And though he's a recluse - he hasn't granted an interview for years and it's nearly impossible to take his photo - he's got a great sense of humour.

"What's the matter, sir, are we too funky for you?" he asked one stoic looking man seated in the front row. "Sorry," he continued, "I just gotta make sure everyone gets their funk on. We'll play some country and western for you a little later, sir." Then he rattled off a twangy guitar lick for good measure.

There were a few other favourites tossed in, too - Take Me With U, Raspberry Beret, Nothing Compares 2 U. There were a couple of covers as well, including Erykah Badu's Didn't Cha Know and the Ohio Players' Love Rollercoaster.

Perhaps he had double the energy after cancelling his Tuesday night show in Saskatoon (technical difficulties was the official reason, but apparently only not enough tickets were sold), because he headed over to Le Rendezvous for a second show at 1 a.m. with tickets going for $30.

Or maybe he was just throwing himself an impromptu birthday party - Prince turns 44 today.

Happy birthday, your majesty. Thanks for gracing us with your presence.

"What's the matter, sir, are we too funky for you?"

Mmmmkay ... so what'd he play at the aftershow? U guys sure are being stingy with the 4-1-1 ... did u not get ur taste buds wet when u read the American reviews? Gotta keep the hype flowin', u know ... so whassup ... PEACE