http://www.undercover.com...htman.html

Prince Picks Toby Lightman
By Paul Cashmere
11 September 2004

Prince has selected Toby Lightman to open for his Portland, Oregon show in front of 20,000 people.

With discoveries over the years including Sheila E, Vanity and Carmen Elektra, being selected by Prince was a big honour for Lightman. "When Prince asked me to open up for him, I felt like I was dreaming, and I still do," she says " I cannot put into words how gratifying it is to know that the ultimate musician appreciates my music. Prince and his crew went out of their way to make sure we were totally comfortable. It made the experience that much more meaningful to see an artist at the highest level of success exhibit such a down to earth attitude. It was truly inspiring. Prince is a living legend and I will cherish this experience for the rest of my life."

Toby Lightman is one of the name's people have been watching over the last 12 months. After a chance meeting with Wyclef Jean, the Fugees star produced her first demo. That lead to signing with Lava/Altantic and then in March 2004 the release of her debut album 'Little Things'.

On September 22nd she will start a headlining tour in Bowling Green, Indiana and wrap it up at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor on October 16th.

Sigh
I guess...

She remade Mary J Blige's "real love"

EROTICCITYNPG said:

Well, I'd give my willy to be part of that prestigious role call.

thats cool!

I went to buy a CD at a Midnight CD selling that a local Record store does every so often for major releases, and I got a Toby Lightman Free CD sampler. I remember being a good singer, kind of a dash of Alanis, a bit of Sheryl Crow, and a lotta original talent. Soulful, but more pop-rock.

she reminded me a little of Sheryl Crow..just a lil. Spent most of my time chattin with NPGMC members on the floor round the stage during her performance anyway.
[Edited 9/12/04 20:44pm]

I am so glad for Toby...

She has a great voice ....have been listening to her for a bit now...

"Real Love"
"Devils and Angels"

...for her

Musically, she belongs in the same class as carmen e.....her cover of "real love" is horrible

She reminds me of that woman Anastacia that had a song out a while ago

OMG. No offense to anyone that digs her, but that cover of Real Love made me ill...

EROTICCITYNPG said:

Uh-oh!

her voice reminded me of Fiona Apple. she sounded okay, but i was glad when she did her last song and Prince performed.

Number23 said:

I'd give my willy to all of that role call.


Just being honest, like.

Whoa, small world. There's a new artist I've been listening to a lot lately -- a guy by the name of Gavin DeGraw. I'd suggest checking out his music, you won't be disappointed.

Anyway, I went to his concert at the HOB in Chicago about a week ago and guess who opened? TOBY.

It was the first time I had heard of her as well. She's very nice. Sings very well. Kinda reminded me of the first time I saw Norah Jones at the last Celebration. Didn't know Norah before that performance, but was impressed. Who knew she'd win all those Grammy's months later?

I think it's cool Prince is giving Toby a chance. She needs someone to give her that "big break" that everyone in music needs at some point. Seems to have paid her dues.

At least she has a better voice and better music than that Jo-Jo person.

When Prince came to MSG, NY he had no one with him... I am so glad he didn't cuz he is the only one I wanted 2 see...

AprilMichelle said:

Oh. know who this non singing broad is now. I am surprised put her on that night as an opener. Her music is definitely a piece of pop that needs to be flushed down the . I heard her shitty debut album on music choice and I wanted to .
[Edited 9/13/04 20:19pm]

I'll just have to jump in with everyone here who as heard the cover of " Real Love ", utter & complete trash. Gag O' Gag, as if I was Joan Rivers. I don't know much about her at all, but Toby will get lost in the shuffle of " Cool Rock " chicks, right behind Michelle Branch, Vanessa Carlton, Fiona Apps ( if ever she shall reemerge ), and the worst f them all.....
































Ashleee.

is it me or does Prince have the worst taste when he picks artists sometimes.....

this chick murdered Real Love....ugh.....

Rhondab said:

Amen to that one. I wonder what is his motivation to pick shitty artist at time.

Rhondab said:

If memory serves me, in the past few years Prince has featured Alicia Keys, Norah Jones, and Nikka Costa at celebrations/shows, before they were widely known.

Pretty good track record as of late if you asked me.

jpav said:

True. However, there is no rhyme or reason for him picking Toby.

At 20 minutes I was ready for her to leave, after 30 I was getting really anxious, after 45 I was pissed. Gaad, the devil-spawn of Christina Aguilera and Michelle Branch. And her cover of Real Love is pretty damn lame. As was all but one of her boring forgettable self-involved singer-songwriter tunes. 9 Oclock couldn't have rolled around soon enough.

I don't know WHAT Prince is thinking on this, except that her complete lack of groove or originality didn't compete with his set at all.

Maybe I'm just old and bitter.....

sighlentz said:

OH she cannot possibly sound like FIONA. I heard this girl and she is not that extraordinary, so I can't see why Prince picked her-- i guess cos she plays the guitar in her video. I can see Prince picking FIONA APPLE or HOPE SANDOVAL or someone like that-- some melancholic rock chick!! Sheesh Prince.