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John Blackwell out?! Hello there!
Just to let you know, I went to a John Blackwell drum clinic last night in Reading. As you can imagine, he was absolutely phenomenal, and a jolly nice chap to boot. However, from various things he was saying, it sounds like Prince has definitely decided to move on and completely change the band rather than just give John a bit of a break. Didn't sound like there was any bad blood or anything - just that Prince wants a bit of a change, musically. Could this be we're stuck with Cora Coleman-Dunham?! Christ, I thought he would've learned after the Kirk J monstrosity. I mean, she's a good enough drummer, but music like Prince's needs more than just a good enough drummer to make it move. I mean, Ringo was perfect for the Beatles; but would you have had him playing for, say, Primus? (Oh, the image!) My apologies if I've missed a Paisley Park press release from about six months ago announcing all this anyway! Mind the roads! Turn It On at http://www.peterfalconer.co.uk and http://www.myspace.com/peterfalconer | |
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I think moving on is a good idea ...
Michael B has been rumored BTW  | |
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I always love this quote about the Beatles, whether it is true or not: When asked whether he thought Ringo was the best drummer in the world, John Lennon replied, "He's not even the best drummer in the Beatles!"
John Blackwell was fantastic and it is hard to see the need to change if they didn't have some kind of falling out. But it has always been part of the Prince way to change around his band and get new vibes, and that is one of the things that has stopped him from becoming stagnant and makes each tour a new experience, so I accept it without too much complaint. As for Cora, most people are basing their opinions on just 2 tv appearances, it seems, in which I for one thought she was perfectly fine. but I'm no drumming expert. | |
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haha, Ringo's my favourite drummer ever, I hate it when people slag him off (they're not on this thread I know but some people just assume he's shit without really listening to the records) ANYWAY, I always thought it was Paul that said that but it is a proper funny quote.
Re: blackwell, he said in his recent berklee interview that he is no longer on a retainer from prince but expected to tour with him in the summer. so there ya go, make of that what you will. I can't imagine he'd say something like that if prince hadn't told him so. but who knows? I'm wondering if tamar IS indeed going to support P, if cora cora won't drum for her and prince use blackwell for the tour? might make sense? We'll see, though its a shame to see someone as good as Blackwell go, hopefully in the studio Cora can inspire prince to keep pushing himself. | |
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sure JB is probably one of the best drummers in the world, but I'm looking forward to the change. 3121 (the track, not album) would not have sounded so fresh without Michael Bland for example, and I'm sure whoevecr P chooses (looks like Cora) will add a new dimension. However, agreed that Kirk J on drums was a serious misjudgement and hope is not repeated!!!! | |
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machinegun said: sure JB is probably one of the best drummers in the world, but I'm looking forward to the change. 3121 (the track, not album) would not have sounded so fresh without Michael Bland for example, and I'm sure whoevecr P chooses (looks like Cora) will add a new dimension. However, agreed that Kirk J on drums was a serious misjudgement and hope is not repeated!!!!
I can never understand with Kirky J, wasn't he one of the dancers the Game Boyz? If he was a drummer all along, what the hell was he doing dancing? It is like Prince poked a finger at him and said, "Right, I don't need dancers no more, I need a drummer, you're the drummer from now on. Go learn the drums." And then he needs a best man for his wedding, so his eye wanders over his band and settles on Kirky J. and he goes "You. You're my best mate ever. Here, hold this ring..." And then later Kirky J. becomes a producer - Prince points another finger at him and says, "Right, here's some tracks, go remix them, learn how to use a computer..." I wonder what Kirky J is doing now? "Here, I need someone to take out the garbage. You, you're the garbage man. Go learn how to drive a garbage truck..." | |
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BRING BACK BOBBY Z!!! | |
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Kirky J was already an accomplished percussionist when he was part of these Game Boyz (this does not imply that I think he is not the worst Prince drummer ever: he is, but all I'm saying is that he was already playing drums and percussions long before he became Prince's drummer) | |
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TimeKeeper said: BRING BACK BOBBY Z!!!
How good a drummer was Bobby? I mean, Sheila was AMAZING, but Bobby wasn't bad was he? The Revolution worked their ASSES off keeping up to P.  
Some people tell me I've got great legs... | |
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peterfalconer said: Hello there!
Just to let you know, I went to a John Blackwell drum clinic last night in Reading. As you can imagine, he was absolutely phenomenal, and a jolly nice chap to boot. However, from various things he was saying, it sounds like Prince has definitely decided to move on and completely change the band rather than just give John a bit of a break. Didn't sound like there was any bad blood or anything - just that Prince wants a bit of a change, musically. Could this be we're stuck with Cora Coleman-Dunham?! Christ, I thought he would've learned after the Kirk J monstrosity. I mean, she's a good enough drummer, but music like Prince's needs more than just a good enough drummer to make it move. I mean, Ringo was perfect for the Beatles; but would you have had him playing for, say, Primus? (Oh, the image!) My apologies if I've missed a Paisley Park press release from about six months ago announcing all this anyway! Mind the roads! Turn It On at http://www.peterfalconer.co.uk and http://www.myspace.com/peterfalconer and Priums have had such a far greater impact on music the those sad pathetic Beatles... PLEASE! Technical brilliance really doesn't have that much importance in the overall long-run - it's the overall input and creative contribution you bring to the group that is of far greater meaning. None of the Beatles were of any particular genius level in their ability at their chosen instrument(s) of choice, but as a unit they remain untouched for their overall contribution to music. Prince has had certain musicians work for him that were absolutely outstanding in their one particular field, but i would suggest that nobody else he has worked with in the last 20 years brings ANYTHING to the table that comes close to the contribution that Wendy and Lisa had on the man. Neither of those two were particularly outstanding with said instrument of choice, but they contributed more to the vibe of Prince's catalogue of great, innovative music than any others every did. They were equals, partners, true collaberators in his musical journey, where essentially all others since have been mere employees toeing the line and following directions. He has long since missed this type of collaberation and challenge, and (yes i'll say it) it shows in the the music that has come since... I am not for one minute saying that all else he has done since is in any way crap, but I am saying that there is a certain level of magic and creativity that has not been achieved in a long time... A Prince, Wendy and Lisa album is looooong overdue... Okay, now bring on the flames... . [Edited 4/6/06 6:22am] | |
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KrystleEyes said: peterfalconer said: Hello there!
Just to let you know, I went to a John Blackwell drum clinic last night in Reading. As you can imagine, he was absolutely phenomenal, and a jolly nice chap to boot. However, from various things he was saying, it sounds like Prince has definitely decided to move on and completely change the band rather than just give John a bit of a break. Didn't sound like there was any bad blood or anything - just that Prince wants a bit of a change, musically. Could this be we're stuck with Cora Coleman-Dunham?! Christ, I thought he would've learned after the Kirk J monstrosity. I mean, she's a good enough drummer, but music like Prince's needs more than just a good enough drummer to make it move. I mean, Ringo was perfect for the Beatles; but would you have had him playing for, say, Primus? (Oh, the image!) My apologies if I've missed a Paisley Park press release from about six months ago announcing all this anyway! Mind the roads! Turn It On at http://www.peterfalconer.co.uk and http://www.myspace.com/peterfalconer and Priums have had such a far greater impact on music the those sad pathetic Beatles... PLEASE! Technical brilliance really doesn't have that much importance in the overall long-run - it's the overall input and creative contribution you bring to the group that is of far greater meaning. None of the Beatles were of any particular genius level in their ability at their chosen instrument(s) of choice, but as a unit they remain untouched for their overall contribution to music. Prince has had certain musicians work for him that were absolutely outstanding in their one particular field, but i would suggest that nobody else he has worked with in the last 20 years brings ANYTHING to the table that comes close to the contribution that Wendy and Lisa had on the man. Neither of those two were particularly outstanding with said instrument of choice, but they contributed more to the vibe of Prince's catalogue of great, innovative music than any others every did. They were equals, partners, true collaberators in his musical journey, where essentially all others since have been mere employees toeing the line and following directions. He has long since missed this type of collaberation and challenge, and (yes i'll say it) it shows in the the music that has come since... I am not for one minute saying that all else he has done since is in any way crap, but I am saying that there is a certain level of magic and creativity that has not been achieved in a long time... A Prince, Wendy and Lisa album is looooong overdue... Okay, now bring on the flames... . [Edited 4/6/06 6:22am] Absolutely. As good as P is, Wendy and Lisa just added a certain flavor to his work that, maybe I have rose-colored glasses on, but it was just magic. No flames necessary.
Some people tell me I've got great legs... | |
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Alasseon said: How good a drummer was Bobby? I mean, Sheila was AMAZING, but Bobby wasn't bad was he?
I always get the impression that Bobby Z is a bit like Ringo, to be honest - he may not be the best or most flashy drummer in the world, but the fact of the matter is he did the job, and if they'd had anybody else in at that time it probably wouldn't've sounded as good. For example, as amazing as the musicianship on the "One Nite Alone Tour" version of Take Me With U was, I just didn't feel so snuggly inside as when I hear the original version chugging along nicely. That said, The Gold Experience needed a drummer like Michael B and Rainbow Children needed a John Blackwell. New Power Soul needed a kick in the head! 
Turn It On at http://www.peterfalconer.co.uk and http://www.myspace.com/peterfalconer | |
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All I know is that John Blackwell is one of the best drummers I have ever seen. As a matter of fact he is either the best or a tie with the guy who used to drum for 'The Cult' and later (near the end of their run) 'Guns n Roses'.
I can't figure out why anyone would want to replace him. | |
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phlix said: All I know is that John Blackwell is one of the best drummers I have ever seen. As a matter of fact he is either the best or a tie with the guy who used to drum for 'The Cult' and later (near the end of their run) 'Guns n Roses'.
I can't figure out why anyone would want to replace him. Matt Sorum. | |
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I like John, but why the hell was he always dropping his sticks?
I like Sheila the best 'cause she's cute and she's always watching Prince with that funky face. | |
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oh well another one bites the dust again! but u can't sat he's not dissapointed!  | |
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U guys should STOP IT!!!!! No matter how good/bad the musicians are, if u were TRUE fans, u would KNOW that he changes his lineups whether we like it or not!!!!! As to why Mr. Blackwell dropped his sticks??? I'm a drummer as well: FUNK GETZ GREAZY!!!!! Or it could be show..... | |
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I'm ready for a change. Cora is SOLID!!!! | |
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