Just got home from the club called Life in NYC.



Prince, Larry Graham on bass, Maceo! on Sax, Jerry Martini and Cynthia Robinson (from Sly and the Family Stone)on horns, Morris Hayes on keys, Kirky J. on drums and a new female percussionist who really didn't do a whole heck of alot, a new male backup singer and a female vocalist from Larry's camp.



The band went on at about 3:30 after an almost interminable wait. There were many difficulties setting up the equipment. As the crowd grew increasingly hot and restless Prince finally just strolled on stage. The crowd instantly woke up! He apologized and asked to bear with the band while they "tuned up". They got started with a song that started with the lyrics "Sometimes I feel like a motherless child.." It was bluesy during the singing and then went into a rockin' groove.



The ubiquitous Sly songs were all there,"I Wanna Take You Higher", "Everyday People","thankufalletenmebemicelfagain" Larry's "The Jam", that song where Larry just solos with Kirk as he walks into the audience playing hell-a-fire bass! (oops I just cussed).Prince asked if we liked country music and went into a great version of Alphabet St. that turned into a rockin' jam. Versions of "Funky Good Time" and "Talkin' Loud and Saying Nothin'" were also played and featured the amazing Maceo Parker on sax. Prince was playful throughout remarking "how funky we all were and at 5 in the morning no less!" The audience was very much into the show and the band was really tearin' it up and turnin'it out!



Oh, I almost forgot! lol! Of course Doug E. Fresh came out and did his medley of his old hits with...Kool Moe D!! Prince had the audience doing the "freaks on this side" chant among others. The band came on for three encores the last of which Prince finally gave us what we really craved (no not "Rave")...some Prince. He closed the night with "purple Rain" and played the snot out of the guitar!



They were done at about 5:30. My friend who is not abig Prince fan and has never seen him live was blown away, especially by Larry. This was my 13th time and while I love the aftershow, small club atmosphere I would have personally enjoyed more Prince up front and center. Maybe a new song or two. How 'bout an obscure old song ike "Private Joy" or even a ballad. I would give the show a B+ for the sheer energy, joy and musicianship on display. it was, at times, awesome.