I just wanted to create a topic in order to salute Blackwell on Drums. Any funky drummer out there would have really appreciated the technical demands of the set last night. Absolutely Superb - no wonder he needs a protective barrier - he's red hot!

Do you agree?

G.

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[This message was edited Mon Oct 21 9:35:06 PDT 2002 by katt]

Yup - truly fantastic and he made it look like a walk in Paisley Park! Being a drummer of 23 years myself, I'm in an ideal position to comment - and to feel extremely humbled!

Blackwell is so good, he's just down right scary!

If there is one member of the NPG band that I had to point to for being responsible for taking the band to the next level, its Blackwell. Blackwell's drumming is so solid that Prince can do ANYTHING he wants, he can go in any direction and know without a doubt that Blackwell is going to hold the band together. It's simply amazing to me how much of a difference one drummer can make.

Now after Blackwell, I'd have to say that Renato Nato is close, close second. Renato definitely solidifies the "jazz" sound that Prince has been experimenting with lately.

Wasn't he scary? I was amazed at how fierce a drummer he was. His hands flying in all directions at once AND twirling the sticks between drum hits! Dayum!

yes, totally.

But I did think credit went to the whole band. I was amazed at how great they sounded, and I'm glad he's got a horn section again.

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

totally agree

I had read all the stuff from the US tour , but was still amazed at how good he was.

The stick twirling was truly mesmerizing.

Hey - I play drums...at least I thought I did until I checked out John B. Now Jazz drummers usually take it to the next level...music allows for it and actually demands it...not many rock guys get down like that...whether they can or not is always another question...music doesn't really demand it...however from watching/listening to most of them, they really aren't that impressive. John Blackwell should take on apprentices in order that his art can be taken further by proteges...it's insane. Not only the technical aspect of it..I mean the creativeness of it...he's got an interesting mind yet doesn't overtake the music. He supports it like a top male skater would a beautiful partner...she's beautiful but ever-so supported by strength.

Thanks to everyone for your comments - I hope this message gets to John B. tonight. A truly inspiring performance...

Wot can I say that hasn't already been said. My fav band used to be the one with Sonny, Michael B, Tony, etc. But this combo... by golly. How tight were they ? I had the pleasure of experienceing Friday's show in London and as I went back today to buy Rhonda's CD, I was on the verge of risking a fight with the bouncers to get back in... Someone smart once said that as a musician, if you start with Jazz you can go anywhere after that. Everybody here who has seen Rhonda, John, Ronato, the horns.. I mean just think about it: you have keyboards, a bass and drums. Add horns and lead guitar at will... this backbone was so funky ... sorry I mean phunky, I can hardly keep myself together
If Emancipation was the recored he was born to make, hell, what happened? What is the next level of 'born to make' ??? This band certainly reached it. !

Come back soon guys, I miss your groove already !!!

K.

Yes...yes, by all means...Mr. Blackwell is phenomenal!!!

Respect The Drummer. The great drummers add so much to a band, and make the rest of the group sound better and play better. Which is why The Who should have shut it down when Keith Moon passed - they never were nearly as good. Which is the reason Led Zeppelin broke up when Bonham passed - they knew what they had in him, and their friendship with him wouldn't allow them to carry on without him. Never take a good drummer for granted. He/she is the anchor and can lift the rest of the band to heights that wouldn't be possible without him/her.

I've always thought the rhythm section is about 75% of any great band. But then, maybe that's because I'm biased coming from a rhythm section point of view.

Blackwell can indeed play the drums.

and extra props to the guy for hanging a little and meeting fams/signing autographs after the Marquee performance saturday night!

why not check out his website and drop him an email of support.

http://www.johnblackwell.net/