J.P. DeLaire (www.jpdelaire.com) stopped by my radio show and the WVOF studios this week. Regaled us with working with Prince and in Carmen Electra's band. J.P. was highly complimentary to Prince and lauded Prince as the Godfather of Minneapolis music. He also said Prince was the ultimate taskmaster and brought the best out of musicians.

J.P. did relate a hilarious story in which Prince had let go of most of Carmen Electra's band with the exception of J.P. DeLaire and Morris Hayes. So, Prince brought in Sonny T. and Michael Bland to play with J.P. and Morris. In London, while rehearsing, Prince was showing J.P. some keyboard arrangement and J.P. said that there was a different way to do it. Prince was taken aback and called J.P. over for a chat. J.P. related this in Prince's voice . Prince asked, "So do you notice any musicians missing?" JP, said, "Yes". Prince said, "U don't want to be missing, do U?. J.P. said, "No Sir" and realized Prince knew the arrangement better.

J.P. did say he would love to work with Prince again one day.

Listen in at www.upperroomwithjoekelley.com in the 24 hour mix now thru Sat. Feb. 21st to hear the whole interview and other great Minneapolis wisdom.
[Edited 2/18/09 19:46pm]