Prior to listening to NEWS I read several comments on this site comparing NEWS to "elevator music". Although I respect the opinions of others, it is difficult for me to fathom how this CD could be categorized as elevator music. My guess is that it is because the music simply lacks vocals. In that case, Duke and Miles were the masters of "elevator music".

Anyway, in listening to N.E.W.S. I am becoming more and more impressed with the drumming of John Blackwell. I also think that Rhonda adds some beautiful bass work that blends nicely with the other musicians. I was looking forward to hearing a bit more guitar from Prince but it is still an adventure that I am digging more each time I listen to it.

I am curious to learn more about the development of this CD. For example, how much improvisation was involved, or lead sheets.

Okay...I wont say elevator music (never really did). I'll say: the kind of music your therapist plays as you wait outside their office for your scheduled appointment.

Its not elevator music in any aspect.. Not NEWS, Ive come to that conclusion.. North could perhaps give u that vibe, but that song is just too good and well constructed.

it just elevates my will to sleep...

MorehouseMan said:

I concur with you about Blackwell. His performance was the first thing that struck me about the album. I already knew he was a great drummer prior to it, but aside from TRC had heard little of his work.

I think it was Prince's intention to really FEATURE this band instead of him dominating with his guitar work, which we all know he can when and if the mood strikes him. But Blackwell is a gem. He has a great touch, solid creativity, and is pretty damn versatile. This was obvious to me even prior to NEWS.

Being a bass player, and being a bass junkie, listening to Rhonda's performance on "West" makes me shake my head. Not because it's the best low end playing I've ever heard, but because ... after the rain sound effects are ushered in, when that Funk coctail comes in, her playing sounds as tight, as expressive, and as out front as the late, great Bernard Edwards. He's the one I immediately thought of on that part. You really need a good system to catch some of the nuances of the performances here.

I'm not too enamored of "North"...it may be what has turned off some people right off the bat, being that it's the lead off track. To me it's just mid-tempo smooth jazz. Fortunately, the entire album doesn't suffer from it. The rest is as good as gold, because of the musical detours that Prince is often famous for taking - even in some of his classic songs. This album is not for pop fans who can rarely listen to anything without lyrics.

Elsewhere, Eric's tone and phrasing on sax in some places reminds me of Stan Getz's. NEWS is in the tradition of Herbie's early '70s Fusion albums, including Head Hunters and Thrust, more than anything else.

Maybe Prince wanted a more keyboard oriented sound with this one instead of putting himself out front with the guitar. It seems by design that he's taking a more low key approach than he did on an album like TRC with that specific axe. Prince as The Daddy is directing and watching, but it's clear he's allowing more democracy. His band can walk, run, and ride their bikes on their own.

Nah, not really elevator music. More like dinner party music or something they'd play at a theater before the play starts.

Supernova saidI concur with you about Blackwell. His performance was the first thing that struck me about the album. I already knew he was a great drummer prior to it, but aside from TRC had heard little of his work.

I think it was Prince's intention to really FEATURE this band instead of him dominating with his guitar work, which we all know he can when and if the mood strikes him. But Blackwell is a gem. He has a great touch, solid creativity

Being a bass player, and being a bass junkie, listening to Rhonda's performance on "West" makes me shake my head. Not because it's the best low end playing I've ever heard, but because ... after the rain sound effects are ushered in, when that Funk coctail comes in, her playing sounds as tight, as expressive, and as out front as the late, great Bernard Edwards. He's the one I immediately thought of on that part. You really need a good system to catch some of the nuances of the performances here.

I'm not too enamored of "North"...it may be what has turned off some people right off the bat, being that it's the lead off track. To me it's just mid-tempo smooth jazz. Fortunately, the entire album doesn't suffer from it. The rest is as good as gold, because of the musical detours that Prince is often famous for taking - even in some of his classic songs. This album is not for pop fans who can rarely listen to anything without lyrics.

Elsewhere, Eric's tone and phrasing on sax in some places reminds me of Stan Getz's. NEWS is in the tradition of Herbie's early '70s Fusion albums, including Head Hunters and Thrust, more than anything else.

Maybe Prince wanted a more keyboard oriented sound with this one instead of putting himself out front with the guitar. It seems by design that he's taking a more low key approach than he did on an album like TRC with that specific axe. Prince as The Daddy is directing and watching, but it's clear he's allowing more democracy. His band can walk, run, and ride their bikes on their own.[/quote]



Supernova, I am going to listen more closely to west, specifically, the part that you have referenced. You know, I am not a Larry Graham basher, he is truly a great bassist, however, listening to this album I think that Rhonda is a perfect fit. The styles of the two are so different. I credit P for effectively utilizing the strengths of the outstanding musicians at his disposal. I agree with you in that he is allowing each musician to shine. Like you, I knew that John B was outstanding on the drums, however, I am even more impressed with him now. Ditto for Rhonda. Simply beautiful bass work.

Nope! Not elevator music More so the music you hear when you call a company and they put you on hold? Yea, the music that comes on while you are waiting