Many prominent rock and jazz musicians record albums with other musicians/singer-songwriters like Chick Corea, Sting, Steve Winwood, Carlos Santana to name a few, but hypothetically if Prince decided to truly challenge himself again musically, and collaborate with musicians he really respects. Also they're fellow JW's, so the commaraderie and respect for each other's talents would be there. Minimal overdubs, shared songwriting credit, Prince singing background on some songs for LG and GB and vice versa. It probably wouldn't be released through a major but something like Redline distribution that promoted TRC album would get this album to a market that is knowledgeable about the generations of funk, soul and rock music they created in their respective heydays. What would that album sound like?

[Edited 7/13/10 20:14pm]

CRAP minus snantana!

Well "Phenomenal," comes to mind...cuz' some of us always support the "We ain't gonna stop proven it group."

I'm not trying to see it

I would suspect it would sound similar to TRC: not in its songwriting and lyrical content but its sonic and production values. That album would be a grower on fans not fans of LG and GB. It would be another marker in Prince's career like The Black Album, The Rainbow Children and Lovesexy. It would mark a change in his career were the perception would change among people who are not fans of his. Just like when he participated in the "While My Guitar Gently Weeps", and played with Maceo Parker on "We Gon' Make It Funky" in 2001 when he dropped that amazing rhythm guitar solo with Maceo's band, he would notch another title on his belt as the musicians' musician. That's how that album would be promoted and marketed.

For the musicians' musician, they would get to hear Prince as a member of a great musical ensemble, sharing space with veteran musicians who arguably are better than him on their respective instruments. Even if it wasn't with this lineup, it would be interesting for Prince to do something with Blue Note and record with musicians and singers outside of his circle of New Power Generation players.

if made,... my dad would most def say that the album was saved by george benson

the man loves him some george benson

but lets not get him started on Grover Washington and Norman brown

the dude is like smooth jazz fanatic

PicklesMcMillan said:

if made,... my dad would most def say that the album was saved by george benson

the man loves him some george benson

but lets not get him started on Grover Washington and Norman brown

the dude is like smooth jazz fanatic

Another reason why it would be a good idea: bring together each musicians' fanbases together. Smooth jazz lovers who dig George Benson would hear Prince, John Blackwell and LG. The pre-conceived notions they would have of Larry, and Prince could change and for all involved. Good or bad it would surely boost the profiles of everyone involved and produce some new and fresh music.

I'm not particularly bothered by them as artists but i like the principle. Recently Prince has said in interviews that "People have said Ihave peaked... I listen to my old stuff and..." basically saying that he prefers his musicianshp today. Well I think this is the type of arena he should consider going into. Firstly it would actually be good but also it would stop the constant comparisons with his past

jcurley said:

I'm not particularly bothered by them as artists but i like the principle. Recently Prince has said in interviews that "People have said Ihave peaked... I listen to my old stuff and..." basically saying that he prefers his musicianshp today. Well I think this is the type of arena he should consider going into. Firstly it would actually be good but also it would stop the constant comparisons with his past