well, i just got back from the atlanta civic center from the first hit and run 2001 show (the first of 2 here in atlanta-another show tomorrow).



the show started with a female quartet called millinium. they played a short 30/40 minute set. not particularly my cup of tea, but they can sing-no lip-sincing. one guy heckled them in a somewhat uncalled for way- it must be hard to open for someone like prince- many will be dissatisfied no matter what.



then the fonky bald heads played a set. kip blackshire on lead vocals, kirky j on drums, mike scott and another guy? on guitar. they actually really rocked, but again, opening for prince is a no win situation.



prince took the stage shortly after. the band is the same as last year's hit and run shows rhonda on bass (sounding and looking so fine), john blackwell on drums (amazing performer, not to be missed for any fan of drums/percussion), morris hayes and kip blackshire on keys, najee on sax (last year many complained about his presence, but again i have to say i love his addition to the band, but i love sax-and he's got amazing chops. no rhythm guitar. geneva on erotic presence. girl got ehler-danlos no doubt(inside reference). i really like this band.



the set list was basically the same as last years hit and run shows. opening with uptown, controversy, and mutiny. then he added the work, which really works, very funky- i haven't heard the napster version yet, but live it really happens hard. from there it was back to cream, little red corvette.



then u make my sunshine was added medleyed with a blues number with lyrics to the effect "girl, put yo real clothes on". the released single of u make my sunshine is a little flat for my tastes, but as usual the live performance works. i wish he would release rawer versions of the newer material instead of so much production. most of the newer stuff i've heard works so much better in concert. i could never take the place of your man and the ballad of dorothy parker are always highlights for me.



i really love najee working in "summertime (porgy and bess) in the solo section.



the darling nikki performance with geneva is just too much, definitely breathes life and captures the spirit (school girl outfit rules).



very high energy performance, prince appeared in good spirits, joking with many in the audience. t-boz was in the row behind me. he tried to convince her to come on stage and dance during sexy dancer, but she declined. chuck d. was also in the house 2-3 rows behind me to the left, we can only hope for a little fight the power tomorrow night (see aftershow reports from the november atlanta show). definitely a fun night, very good show, but perhaps a little short.



there was an afterparty at club envy. usually when they announce party instead of show there is no performance, so i did not go.



maybe some else can give the details of the affair

can't wait for sunday

jamesg