dbosch7 said:

Personally, I think Mr. Hayes is funkier than Renato, though I like his playing as well. For the jazz sound, Renato has Morris Hayes beat, but not as far as playing funk and Prince's music overall. He's got a lot more knowledge of what Prince wants. I would like it if Chance were still around also.

Candy was cool, but I'm not as into her playing as I was Maceo's or Eric Leeds. She was picking up quick though.

If John Blackwell isn't playing with Prince anymore, I have no doubt that he will return at some point. But it seems like John probably has other things to be concerned with right now. I would guess he needs family time. I can't imagine the pain he went through.

Rhonda was in the band for so long, she probably just needed a change. Or Prince felt he needed one.

Given that most of us haven't seen Prince in any real party setting (performing with Tamar can't possibly count), I can't see how anyone can dismiss this band so soon. Also, TV performances are quite different from concert or club performances. After all the late night 3121 reports out of Prince's house, we learned that all kinds of musicians came through on several occasions and sat in with P and the band, and they seemed to enjoy themselves. So how do we know that they aren't capable of following Prince's direction?

I'm sure when Prince dropped the Revolution and replaced them with Shiela and Levi and all, there were those going, this band is not as good!

Same when he dropped them for Sonny T. and Michael Bland.

And same when he first introduced Rhonda and Renato.

Given a few years, Prince's bands have a habit of proving themselves, even when initially there's some doubts from fans...

Heiress said:

this is the first time i deal with u, honey.

and...who do u think u r if u say im ur stalker?


[flame snipped -Tom]

seekay said:

This is the third time you've followed me into a thread, and said something stupid about my comment. It's just a bit odd.

Heiress said:

[flame snipped -Tom]

seekay said:

"nerdy?"

that's a word i haven't heard since the 80s!

Heiress said:

thats becuz i havent dealt with someone nerdy since the 80s

dbosch7 said:

I love it how people are so openminded on prince.org, how is it possible to judge a band after seeing them do 2 performances on TV!

Glad Mr Hayes is back, he might get chance to play a real Hammond organ and not that weedy shit that Renato used to play.

ontheonevegas said:

The guy has an opinion. How is that being close minded? Personally i think its pretty close minded of you to get down on someone because they have an opinion you may disagree with. I think its pretty close minded to think everything Prince related is just fan-fucking-tastic. The guy didn't care for the band. Big woop. He's allowed to feel that way without getting blasted by everyone.

PapaSmurf said:

Anyone can say "Oh I didn't like the band" lets have some constructive comments on why they didn't like the band..otherwise its pointless surely?

ontheonevegas said:

The original post-er was pretty clear as to why he wasn't thrilled with the recent performances. He misses Blackwell's style, he prefers Renato over Hayes, and he missed Candy's contributions to the sound. Why should he have to present his opinion in a manner that suits you (or anyone for that matter)?

By the way...in the same token, anyone can say "your opinion doesn't matter."
[Edited 2/23/06 13:04pm]

PapaSmurf said:

I want to know WHY Renato was more superior to Mr Hayes, just saying it does not give me any idea why..geddit?

Renato was more of a jazz pianist, Hayes was brought up with gospel music and is a fantastic Hammond organ player..saying one is better than the other just isn't that easy. The horns, the jazz piano are all gone..Prince don't do jazz now..he's over that and maybe his fans should be able to move on too!

It seems to me that Prince is largely going for a more cold funk sound with 3121 than he has with more recent projects. The sound is more like early Revelution or 93-95 NPG, and not the jazzy big band style of more recent years.

This certainly explains why Renato has been replaced by Mr Hayes. I've been impressed by Cora and Josh from what I've seen and heard so far. That piece of dry funk at the end of LGC at the Brits was insane.

I miss Blackwell too but you've got to give the new band a chance.

i really like the new band.. no more jazz, more horns, the focus is on prince and his guitar.

I like the new band, but give them time. It takes a while for Prince to get a new band to get in sync. He's always been serious about rehearsing until they got it right and I'm not sure how long this current group's been working together. It's been a LONG time since he toured with Wendy, Lisa and Sheila E. But, I'm sure they'll get things cookin' soon. I love the more stripped down sound. Besides the drums not being right on LGC, they kicked butt on that track and it's the best it's sounded since the 80's.

Besides the drummer from rush or M Portnoy from dream theater, maybe any drummer would sucks, when compared to Blackweell. you know what? maybe i am just ignorant but J Blackwell is the best drummer i ever saw. He is funk, can play heavy and agressive, and jazzy. The man is super human.

dbosch7 said:

They may not be as good as the bands Prince has had in the past, But I wouldn't compare them to "Sexual Chocolate" just yet.

7salles said:

Agreed, Blackwell is a magnificent drummer and it's too bad he isn't around anymore.

funkaholic1972 said:

Without a doubt, John Blackwell is definitely my favourite prince drummer.

siriusfunk said:

- ??
The person who started this thread was talking about SNL performance. I have to agree. His band is great, very tight, but it sounded a little more bland compared to previous bands. I would prefer Rhonda and Blackwell on "Fury".

About Wendy and Lisa...it was only about the looks, the reunion, the nostalgic feeling....but musically they didn´t add to the performance. If you just listen to the Mp3, you notice their parts could have been performed by any professional musician. I think their greatest contribution was the songwriting/production in the 80s, not as live musicians.

Just wait till the keyboard player gets all the loops programmed into his processer, then the band will improve. lol

the ultimate line up would be:
shelia e ...drums
wendy ...guitar
lisa ...keys
dr fink ...keys
brownmark...bass

prettymansson said:

- Arg...no, please! Although I would be curious if Wendy and Lisa collaborate on some songs in the future.

siriusfunk said:

prettymansson said:

Word!!!!

Actually, I saw Tamar in NYC.... Morris Hayes is a GREAT keyboard player. He was holding down all the part ALONE!!! (remember Prince always had at least TWO keys players, and horns).

I wasn't too impressed with Renato.....I didn't like his solos on Musicology.

I never really got into John Blackwell or Michael BLand..... Sheila is hte best IMO, but I like seeing her upfront on percussion.

Cora is ok.... hard to judge so early on.

seekay said:

Well newbie, you have the right to your opinion. If you'd been around before January, you might have seen the scholarly work & explorations I have posted to the org. That's why I'm here - I find much inspiration for my research from the orgers here, we bounce off each other in the most interesting way.

I must say, I'm just a bit shocked because I don't generally find myself having to deal with this level of childishness in my everyday life, nor here on the org. It's generally only the smarter, more mature folks who seek my company... the childish ones tend to go after each other.

Heiress said:

Childish..no...pretentious YES!

ontheonevegas said:

Well, I'm serious about my work, and I enjoy it. If you feel that makes me pretentious, you have the right to your opinon.

Now, seekay and vegas, have a wonderful day! And God bless you both.

Krystal666 said:

Yes Michael B was and still is Funky!!!! Though, John can throw down also.

I think it's sooooo hilarious when people post ignorant comments in regards to Wendy & Lisa. It shows how utterly uninformed they are when posting comments that suggest Weny & Lisa were members of Prince's backing band in the 80's and nothing more..... Like their musical careers ended in 1986. Yeah right...