Just for verification purposes, allow me to introduce myself.
My name is Steve Marshall. I am a producer at radio station WBAI in New
York City.We occasionally produce radio specials featuring the music of
Prince/The Artist. I wanted to say that in order to assure you that what I
am about to tell you is The Absolute Truth. There's plenty of
misinformation on The Internet. We've all seen fake tracklistings
much too often.



I've just returned from the "Rave" listening party and performance
here in New York City. It was held in an auditorium in The Equitable
building. When I arrived at 1:15PM, there were plenty of press from around
the world waiting to enter. There were signs posted prohibiting any
recording devices as well as any cameras. Just to be sure, security men
were wanding everyone. Also, everybody's name was checked against a list
in order to receive entry.



After the registration process was completed, we were lead down
several flights of stairs to an auditorium which had photos of The Artist
hung along the walls as we entered. At about 2:00PM, an executive from
Arista introduced Clive Davis who graciously welcomed us to the party.
He stated that in the midst of "Hurricane Floyd" he was thrilled to see
such an enthusiastic turnout. The auditorium held about 1,000 people.
Clive talked about having and needing a passion and excitement for music
in order to survive in the business. He was clearly excited to be
working with The Artist. He spoke glowingly of him for several minutes.



He then talked about the background of his meeting with The
Artist. Several months ago, L. Londell Mcmillan, contacted Clive and
stated that The Artist wanted to talk music. So Clive met Londell, and
The Artist in the hotel and discussed music c, past and present. They
talked abot some of The Artist's heroes such as Larry Graham and Santana,
both of whom Clive was very familiar with.



A month after this meeting, Londell contacted Clive again and
informed him that The Artist was working on a new album. He was then invited to hear some of it. Clive loved what he heard. They then proceede
to consummate a deal.



After more comments on the album, Clive proceeded to inform
us that the album has 16 songs plus two hidden tracks. It's about 70
1;2cminutes in length. It's considered a celebration or a "RAVE" so
to speak. He then informed us that he would then play some rough mixes of
some of the album. We would have to wait for the entire finished product
Here's a listing of the songs that he played:



1. "The Greatest Romance Ever Sold" - The First single is midtempo, funk.
It begins with The Artist's Vocal Orchestra as I call it. That's when he
layers his vocals to sound like a choir. "For You" and "7" are good
examples.The rhythm and the tempo is similar to Chaka Khan's "Spoon". Clive
stated
thatit emphasizes the positiveness of a loving relationship. He also
stated that it was abonafide hit. Me thinks he's right . People should
love it. He later played an album version that had more melodic
instrumentation as well as a hip hop remix featuring "Eve".



2. "Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic" - The Title song. Funky like "Kiss"
Tight drum machine programming. Funky Rhythm. Vocal orchestra again for
the title refrain. Very similar to the refrain in the PArtyman remix.
Rockin' Funk. Clibe stated that The Artist wrote it in 1988.{In that
USA Today article The Artist stated that he wrote it in 1987. He must have
read Uptown for the correct information. :}}. He had always wanted it
to be a title song for the album. Now the timing was just right.



3. Undisputed with Chuck D - Funky like Prince from 1987.
Classic Prince with classic Chuck D. Rap fans shouldn't fret. Free Nation
is a chant heard throughout the song.



- 2 segues are heard on the album. This first one is instrumental and
features Miles Davis. It's about 10 seconds.



5.So Far, So Pleased with Gwen Stefani- Hot Rocker. Put it up there
with "ICNTTPOYM" when it comes out. The Artist saw her on Letterman and
was impressed with her performance. She refused to stop even when David
was trying to end her segment.



6. The Sun, The Moon & The Stars - written in Spain as he chilled with
Mayte, Larry Graham and Tina Graham. He was feeling good about life.
If you love Starfish and Coffee or The Ballad of Dorothy Parker, you
should love this !!



2nd segue - Music I think



7. Man Of War - beautiful ballad. I think it's about Peace and love in a
relationship.



8. Baby Know with Sheryl Crow -Camille returns !! That means funk.
Imagine The Rolling Stones doing Funk.



9.I Love You, But I Don't Trust You Anymore. feat. Ani difranco.
Beautiful ballad. Piano intro. Acoustic guitar comes in. In the tradition
of "How Come You Don't Call Me Anymore". Classic.



10. Wherever you go, Whatever you do - Funky Rock anthem Clive Davis
said that it's in tribute to the fans. "Take Me With You" to the fans, so
to speak. Meant for the ending of a show. Next to last album song. Tight
drums.



11.Pretty Man feat. Maceo Parker. The Artist pays homage to James Brown
with a rhythm similar to "Cold Sweat". Updated with modern
instrumentation.



Other songs not played included Tangerine, Silly Games with Sheryl Crow
and Strange But True.



After the album was finished, Clive brought out The Artist who
was dressed like a Muslim Princess. No I didn't say Prince, I said
Princess, With a shawl and everything. People clapped. I was like
"Whatever
buddy !! He was dressed in red. He stood with Clive for some photographers
for a few minutes before exiting stage left behing curtains.



Earlier Clive had said that the Artist wanted to present himself
in the best way for this media industry event. We were all delighted when
the black curtains were pulled back to reveal the "Jam Of the Year" stage
set with the NPG in full effect. The NPG horns were there along with
Morris Hayes, Mike Scott, Kirky J, another keyboardist, and Larry Graham.
The three male singers were there. I think The Artist called them "Brothers
Black Child or something.



As the band kicked into gear The Artist entered from the top of
the stairs playing the blue cloud guitar. He introduced the NPG
featuring Larry Graham and we were off. Here's the setlist:



1. I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man - Similar to the JOTY Tour
version. Great guitar work by The Artist.



2. Motherless Child with the Rhythm of "Love Thy Will Be Done. Great
Guitar Work Again.



3. Funky song . I think it's called "Do Unto Others"



4. Funk It Up jam. Mike Scott was brought center stage to tear up the
guitar.



5. Larry lead the band into everyday People. Deborah Cox was there and
The Artist invited her up to sing the song with the band,. She was great.



6.Funky song entitled Tell 'em What You Are.
Angie Stone was brought up to sing thisong. She was wailing baby !!
They sped up the grrove and went into the next song.



7. Talkin' Loud and Saying Nothing.



8. Sex Machine.



9. Beat Box type Groove similar to Doug E. Fresh's The Show.



10.The Ride featuring Habibi. He also invited questlove from
the audience to play drums. I later heard ?uestlove say that he was so in
awe, he didn't remember whta he had played. Great version. Great guitar
once again. His guitar playing was one of the highlights of the show.



Overall a classic album that ranks with his best as well as a
wonderful 50 minute performance.



Steve Marshall

WBAI Producer.



P.S. Forgive any mistakes. My computer has gremlins. I'll add any other
notes later. Time to get home out of the storm.