As much as I loved Maceo and the gang i think we were all a little 'horned out!'. Without them the sound is more raw and fresh and a lot less like a JB tribute band. Anyone agree?

I'm pleased with the raw, fresher sound. Though I love Maceo.

Prince & Horns is a marriage made in heaven!!!

He's a horny pony!

Yes.

Although I usually love horns (provided that their use is not overdone), I think his new sound is very cool for a change.

Those horns were tight he needs them back

I'm glad the horns are gone for now. It got a bit too much for my liking.

I'm glad they are gone, too big from Prince music
give me synth any day, then I feel like UPTOWN

I sax here and there is cool, but it can't be on every song

Eddie M(sexual) Eric Leads(sensual) & Atlanta Bliss(excited & meloncholy) were definative in bringing in a sexy & sensual sound to Prince music

Atlantas trumpet on Power Fantastic really helps add that touch of meloncholy
like in a lot of other songs

I heard some of Erics playing with the new (Family) music and it just sounds like music from the 1985/86 eras love that sensual side

I like the horn section

I'm definitely glad that he's giving horns a rest. I'd to see Fredric get shown the door too.

luv4u said:

me too, don't you think it was time for a break though?.

The horns add a great deal of flavor to Prince's music. When he introduced them into his music in 84/85, his creativeness soared! Look at all the great songs made since the horn section.
[Edited 10/15/09 9:44am]

OperatingThetan said:

zaza said:

Yep. The horns have overstayed their welcome and it's nice to see them out for now, though I've never disliked real brass in the mix, I prefer some funky synthesized horn stabs. Of course, Eric Leeds is welcome back anytime for some solos.

While I love the sax, trumpets, trombones etc can add too much treble to music.
I wish Prince would bring in some conga/bongo/ pure percussion in instead of only the standard drum set. A little more of an African tribal sound....moves my heartbeat.

Bohemian67 said:

Prince sounds the best when his sound is raw and naked.
Horns are great but not for P sound
.

Glad the horns were left out

Dave1992 said:

NO MORE HORNS!

i need a break from them big time..

give us the stripped down rock stuff for now, please.....

the horns during parade, lovesexy and sott didnt sound 'schmaltyz'...
now they just make everything sound cheesey....

prince's music should never have TROMBONE! come on!

maybe he just needs matt bliss and eric leeds?

Dave1992 said:

He should team up with Luigi Cinque & Hypertext O'rchestra for a while. imnsho

Actually no I was thinking of something harder like this Right on! - Silicone soul. http://www.youtube.com/wa...re=related

Don't know how he could do it but I would like it. The bass I think, is one of the most natural sounding parts of music which has been taken over by machine. It's also the rhythm and the soul. That's why funk is so funky. Anyway I'm sure he can think of a way to do it.

Eehh.... The horns were ok at best. Im more of a fan of his "rock" side.
It seems when he is heavy on the horns, his performances are weaker. Thats just my opinion.
His best reactions and ovations from the audience are almost always after he rocks his guitar.

I would just be pleased to see Prince and a band in concert..."Musicology," seems so long ago...I miss him.

squirrelgrease said:

Yes. Eric Leeds is the best. Though Maceo and Candy are good, too. I like Leeds' style best.

can he get rid of the harmonica tooooo paleeeze

I love the horns, but i dont think they should be used on every single song on a set or replace the synths altogether.

I like variation on every single song, it keeps the set alive and not muddying up running one song into another.
To me every piece should stand on its own, with its own distinct instrumentation and character, but when used sparingly the horns have one hell of an impact. Full blast all the time,..... not so much.
[Edited 11/24/09 8:00am]

I would very much like a sax and a trumpet added. And percussion and a second guitar. Strings would be nice too, but that's probably too expensive.

TrevorAyer said:

I like it for now. Goes well with the new sound and stunning backing vox of Elisa.

I don't mind not hearing the horns, they can be too high pitched sometimes.
A little sax here and there is nice.