For my fellow musicians:
I was thinking about all of the musicians that have been
in Prince's band and inner circle since day one. And have
a question for everyone. How would you guys rate the
following musicians?

Drums: Bobby Z...Sheila E...Micheal B...Kirby J...John
Blackwell...Dale Alexander...Jellybean Johnson
Bass: Andre Cymone...Levi Seacer...Sonny T...Rhonda Smith...
Larry Graham & Terry Lewis

guitars: Dez Dickerson...Wendy Melvoin...MIko Weaver...
Levi Seacer...Jesse Johnson.

keyboards: Gayle Chapman,Lisa Coleman,Rosie Gaines,DR.Fink,
MOnte Moir,Jimmy Jam,Paul Peterson,Morris Hayes
Renato N, and Tommy Barbarella

Let me hear your opinions. I'll give mine later.

I'll list my top three of each just based on personal preference:

Drums: John Backwell, Michael Bland, Sheila E

Bass: Rhonda Smith, Sonny T, Larry Graham

Guitars: Mike Scott, Jesse Johnson, Wendy Melvoin

Keyboards: Renato, Morris Hayes, Dr Fink

Guitar: Dez Dickerson, Jessie Johnson, Miko Weaver

Bass: Andre Cymone (great backing vox) Mark Brown

Drums: Mike Bland, Sheila E., Bobby Z (haven't heard the new gentleman yet)

Keys: Matt Fink & Lisa Coleman

Thanks "the SPark" for mentioning MIke Scott. I forgot about
him. A definite oversight. And for you brass/horn fans out
there. I'll give my faves in this category:

Eric Leeds: MR. MADhouse...great sax man
Maceo Parker:Still plays as well as he did with JAmes Brown.
ATLAnta Bliss: His work during his stay in with Prince
was first-class (Love him on SLOW LOVE)

I also forgot BONI Boyer on keys.

(Any other names my fellow FAMS?)

drums: blackwell, bland, shelia e. (percussion)
guitars: miko, mike scott, wendy
bass: larry, rhonda, andre
keys: renato, fink, lisa
horns: of course mr. baby doll house E.Leeds...hands down. what about Eric's flute work? damn.

Dredd,you're right about Eric Leeds's flute.

Ok here's my rating system: (based on everything i've heard
since 1978 up till now in PRN's world:

Drums:Sheila E (she's great on the a variety of DRUMS)
Micheal B (the UNDERTAKER...'nuff said)
John BLackwell...the boy's Goood!!!

Bass: Andre (he looked the coolest and had the best vibe
with PRince)
Sonny Thompson (a great singer too...COunt the days..wow)
Mark BRown

guitars: dez (for his rock vibe and he Fit visually with
Prince & ANDRE just right)
wendy M...for her moves,expressions and jazz stylings.
Jesse Johnson...He is one of the best Minneapolis axe-men.
Check his solo albums out. (more in a bit...)