From billboard.com:

In addition to prepping his new studio album, "3121," for a spring release via a just-announced deal with Universal Music Group, Prince is lending a helping hand to an up-and-coming artist.

Sources tell Billboard.com the artist has completed co-production and co-writing on the debut CD by Tamar, although it is unknown if a label is attached to the project. Tamar will appear in the latest incarnation of Prince's live band, New Power Generation, and has additionally been tapped to open all of the dates on his 2006 world tour as a solo act.

-- Jonathan Cohen, N.Y

Hmm... So?

Sorry, I'm slipping since the days of Jill and Taja, but is this the lovely singer from the Vanguard Jam or somone else?

Jude said:

Vanguard Jam bro.

Since the chick from the Vanguard Jam's full name is Ashley Ta'Mar Davis, I'd say the chances are pretty good it's her.

redflag said:

Cool... Has she released anything previously?

I don´t know, but I know that NPG is sooo funky live. I´m just listning to Prince Live 1990, Nude Tour, Japan. Still one of my favorits!

Jude said:

She was in an all-female band named Angaza. Here's their website, which includes a bio and photos of Ashley as well as some music by the band:

http://www.angazamusic.com/

It’s really not enough to go by to evaluate her overall talent and what she can add to the band, but I thought at the NAACP Image Awards she absolutely commanded the stage and ripped the vocals, making the earlier performance of the American Idol winner, Fantasia, look like day-old bread.

NAACP edit..
[Edited 12/16/05 17:11pm]

Ashley Ta'Mar Davis
[Edited 12/16/05 17:11pm]

Krieger said:

I feel ya... and I miss Rosie!

tamar?

Yeah.....waere's Rosie Gaines???? Her vocals on "Diamonds And Pearls" are classic!!! Her vocals on Prince's version of "Nothing Compares 2 U" are the shizikke!!!!! And if you haven't heard her version of Bob Marley's "Turn Your Lights Down Low", go'on 'head & dodadamnthang!!!!!

kookie said:

darn,it didn't show...

Bet the CD never see's the light of day.

Who gives a hoot about Tamar or her CD. Lets have the info on the friggin tour dates in `06 instead!!!!!

elbibknuf said:

I "give a hoot". I miss the protege projects and Prince hasn't done one in many years. If you don't care about the topic, why did you click on the thread?

redflag said:

Yes, I think those who were around in the 80s would agree that the protege projects were half the fun of being a Prince fan... SO MUCH material then to collect and appreciate.

Angaza – The all-female jazz/funk band.



ASHLEY TA'MAR DAVIS - VOCALS [Pictured above, seated in the center.]
2004 NAACP Nominee in the category for Best Lead Female Actress:
Ashley has been singing, acting and dancing since the age of 3 years old, in her hometown of Houston, Texas. As the former Miss Black Texas Teen (1997-98) and Miss Black (Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity). Currently She is a featured vocalist on the Lee Ritenour "Twist of Motown Tour". She has also performed with Gerald Albright and Phil Perry at 94.7- The Wave jazz concerts. As a background vocalist she has performed with pop artist Celine Dion, Yolanda Adams, Rev. Donnie McClurkin, CeCe Winans, to name a few. Ashley is also an accomplished actress and has performed in numerous plays, musicals, on television and in motion pictures.

She is rumored to be contributing to two “3121” tracks, in addition to being a part of the new band as a vocalist and show opening solo act.

CORA COLEMAN - DRUMS [Pictured above, seated behind the keyboard player.]
A native of Houston, Texas, Cora Graduated from Howard University Majored in Music Performance. She is currently working with Pink and has graced the stage with such artists as: Layla Hathaway, Frank McComb, Tom Schuman and Goapele to name a few. Cora was the 2002 winner of Guitar Center National Drum-Off, she was also the winner of 2004 International Blues Challenge.

She is confirmed to be the drummer on “Te Amo Corazon”. Perhaps she’s also Prince’s new drummer for the 2006 tour?

And the potential new bass player, who also plays on "Te Amo Corazon", Josh Dunham, might be married to Cora Coleman, as she is credited on the “Te Amo Corazon” single as, Cora Coleman Dunham.

redflag said:

wow, is this the "Ashley Davis" he recorded that nice tune
"On Your Own" with back when he was still known as ?

Brendan said:

- So it probably means that Rhonda and Blackwell won´t be in the next tour

wow, is this the "Ashley Davis" he recorded that nice tune
"On Your Own" with back when he was still known as ?

[/quote]

That was a nice, smooth track; I really like that one.

FunkyMan said:

Holy shit! Haven't we waited long enough?!

woogiebear said:

Here she is.

http://www.rosiegaines.com/

she looks like his type.

Let's hope the rumored 2006 tour is not just that. We all know how Prince can change his mind.

chunky said:

tamar... makes me think of tamar braxton?

Can this chick sing??? Prince has a shitty track record when it comes to hiring talented protoge....

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

yes she can but Liza on the other hand is another story

Yeah, you all recall how well "Kip" did right?