Event: "Prince-One Night Alone"
Place: Molson Center in Montreal, Quebec
Date: June 18th, 2002
Time: 8:40pm-11:40pm

Musicians: Rhonda Smith (bass, Fender Rhodes keys, and vocals), John Blackwell (drums), Renato Neto (keyboards), Greg Boyer (trombone and percussion), Maceo Parker (saxophone, vocals and percussion), Larry Graham (bass and vocals), and Prince (guitar, bass, keys and vocals).

Pre-show Vibe: My wife, Gi , my funky brother Jean-Yves Tremblay, and myself arrived at the arena at 7pm. We made a stop at the souvenir stand. Jean-Yves went a little hazy and started to throw those Canadian dollars around. Believed he scooped up some One Night Alone t-shirts (nicely done in black with white lettering), a baseball cap, some jewelry, and a program. We also met the almighty Influence, at the stand and talked about the upcoming night.

We found our seats in the Molson Center at they were stage right on the side. Fortunately, there were some extra seats that became available after the sound equipment didn't need that space. So, we were upgraded to the middle section in the first rafters. Nice view.

Just moments before the show, we met up with Maceo Parker and his manager in the lobby. Maceo was just waiting the siganl and drum taps from John Blackwell to enter the arena through the crowd. I spoke with Maceo about having son Corey on my radio show recently. He was very pleasant and even signed the tour program for my crew. Strange moment: Maceo is warming up his sax in the lobby in a dap suit and people were just walking by like it was an every day occurence by a regular Joe. On to the concert experience...

"REAL MUSIC BY REAL MUSICIANS"

First thoughts as I heard Mr. Blackwell hit the drums to commence "Rainbow Children". 'I hope Maceo doesn't fall walking down the steep Molson Center steps while playing the sax. Two years ago at the JazzFest here, I saw Buddy Guy scale those steps and was amazed that someone could play and mountain climb at the same time. Mace made it down fine and party started.

I have always bristled a bit when people quickly say that Prince is playing jazz with "The Rainbow Children." That is too easy to say. Great music is simply great music and Prince and the NPG blend so many styles into an original sound on record and especially throughout the tour. First goosebump moment came during "The Rainbow Children" Prince breaks that fiery psychedlic guitar solo out during the lull towards the end of the song.

This "One Night Alone" concert was simply about real musicians and entertainment. I took a look around the stage and each glance, I saw a musician who was a virtuoso on his/her instrument. That is a blessing to witness. The added bonus is how well they blended together to present mostly newer material in an exciting and challenging way. I must give the utmost respect to Prince and the band for taking the chance to play new music with just a few "older friends". I have been harping on this for years and hope it stays this way for future shows.

Prince was on his "A" game all night and exuded outstanding musicianship on whatever he touched. Plus, his vocals from the heavenly falsetto to the low-down feel were amazing. He even threatened to throw a few moans in during the encore. Some vocal highlights were "Mellow" and "Avalanche". "Avalanche" nearly brought some tears to my eyes as it seems so heart-felt and there was silence thoughout the crowd.

The funk was ever-present as Prince graced us with "1+1+1=3/LoveRollercoaster", "Everlasting Now", and "Family Name" . Prince made mention about the lack of funk on Montreal radio and later in his comments on radio. Right on, but I will be offering a challenge in the next few days to Prince and company to knowing where the real funk is . And there is plenty out there.

I have so much respect for the musicians onstage. Prince gave them more them ample space to shine their talents with several solos. And Prince may have been taking a cue from Maceo as he asked the crowd to give thanks to his band. Renato was a crafty player on various keys and added a different touch to Prince's live set that we haven't seen. Rhonda is the constant glue with this band. Look how she locks in with Blackwell and stands on the drum riser grooving intensely. Prince can fall off the stage into the crowd and Rhonda would be there to save Prince musically. We all know John Blackwell is a phenom and spectacular on the drums. But I was particularly watching the subtle touches in the rhythms by John. John and I had a discussion in a radio interview where I asked him what he wanted to improve in his playing. He said he wanted to better his Latin drumming. And, I saw that finesse from John during the show on the Latin feel. I even saw a hint of Max Roach for a few moments. It is a joy to see John build upon his already present skills. I have seen Maceo Parker and Greg Boyer many times in concert in recent years. They took a different role in Prince's band and excelled as well. Maceo brought us all smiles with "Pass The Peas" Minneapolis/South style. Greg Boyer- Prince's crazy relative from the barbeque, added the elephant sound on the trombone. P-Funk, James Brown blood in the horn section with Prince... I can't ask for more.

And finally, Prince. I have seen him perform since 1983 when he was sliding down the firepole on the 1999 tour. Just think 20 years ago, Prince was nearly bare-butt on the pictures in the 1999 album. He spoke of some really raunchy subjects and did the splits better than anyone since James Brown. Plus, he was a whiz on every instrument he puts his hands on. I loved those days. But today, he eschews cursing, doesn't jump off pianos, and is doing it the independent way. And you know what? His shows are even more amazing to me in 2002. The guitar playing throughout the concert was sparkling. Plus, Prince has so many nuances to cue his band that is really interesting to watch. A backward kick oh his heel can signal Blackwell to stop on the one. And, he is happy onstage. As Prince said. "Real music with real musicians". He complimented Montreal by saying that Montreal has the Jazz festival and knows about real music.

THE ENCORE

The piano medley was a nice change in Prince's usual encore and he seemed genuine and spoke heart-felt about really studying the Bible a year ago. I always admire someone when they gro win spirituality no matter which path. Prince broke out a new simmering funk jam at the piano. He was reading some of the lyrics from the menu and mentioned that record companies are a monumental waste to him.

Now, for the grand finale, and yes, I wish ya'll could have seen this capper. But as Prince said, the people here were the ones meant to witness this show. A 25 MINUTE VERSION OF "DAYS OF WILD" . Prince strode back onstage wearing a Montreal Canadians sweater with his Prince and the #1 on the back. Great touch to do this for the Quebec fans. Larry Graham also entered the stage and we knew the funkfest was going to commence. Prince asked Rhonda to play the Fender Rhodes keyboard in the key of B. The groove started and didn't end for 25 minutes with the houselights on. Prince brought up a his crazy relative #2 from the NPGMC section and asked Renato to play something that would make this brother move every part of his body. And this brother started pushing up his arms and hands and the crowd followed his lead. Two sistas stepped in tune with Larry Graham. The best part was at the end when Prince laid on his back and thumped the bass and Larry did the same and the sound and funk crescendo were amazing. They then laid their basses on the floor next to each other and exited. Renato played something really tasty for the outro. Prince had urged the crowd to walk out into the night with the funk face on.

"One for All, Montreal". Thanks to Prince and the NPG and Montreal, Quebec.
[This message was edited Thu Jun 20 15:26:19 PDT 2002 by JoeKelley]

Thanks for a GREAT review !!! This is what I come here for --- Thanks alot !

Thank you Mr. Kelley, maybe you can give us reviews of the CELEBRATION if you are going.

That is a great review!

Many thanks.

" Real FUNK Music by Real FUNK Musicians"

The show was excellent. This was my first show but it won't be my last!

Cool review! Did he use his new bass? Could you describe it?

calldapplwondery83 said:

Yes, he used his new bass. Looked shiny black four-string. In fact, funny part was when he grabbed the bass from Takumi. Prince started to spray the lubrication all over the strings. He made some joking motion when the spray was flying in the air.

Thanks Joe! What a great review.

He almost looked liked he was gonna toss it at the end of "Days of Wild" but then he set it down gently. lol

Thanks Joekelly, great review. It is clear that you really enjoyed the show through out.

I have a question... Does the band tear up family name even more live than Prince and Blackwell do on TRC?
I was wondering about, since the end of Family Name is so strong it could lest for minutes more if it would depend on me, but on record the song ends quit abruptly. So I was wondering how long he plays the song... I hope longer...