First, thanks to the NPGMusicClub for the kindness and generosity. Gi Dussault, co-host of the "Upper Room with Joe Kelley", JD "Electric Man" Silva, and myself made the drive from Connecticut down to Manhattan. Found great parking on E.10th which was waaay more affordable than the Upper West Side. Arrived to the waiting line outside at Webster Hall at 3pm. Only 3 people were ahead of us which is rare at a Prince event (but it really didn't matter when you got there). Enjoyed chatting with Mothership Mike (getwild007), NPNY Prez Derek Kelly and NPNY Rich.

They began to let people in at about 4:40pm and check peoples IDs. We saw the NPG band vans pull up in front of the venue and decided to say hello outside to a few of our friends. Nice to talk with Chance Howard who we hadn't seen since the NYC Time shows, John Blackwell, and Greg Boyer. While talking with Greg Boyer, this fellow named Prince glides up the steps resplendent in a red suit with fringed cuffs. He has a smile on the whole way. Funny, how Prince makes these surprise entrances out of nowhere. Still have that memory of him running across Broad Street in Philly into the venue.

Once inside, we were escorted down to a waiting area and go thru the video shoot preps (release form, pic). And did I mention the waiting? It was somewhat long but we kinda knew all would be forgiven after the show. My highlight during the waiting period was talking to the bathroom attendant and reminiscing about the Webster Hall when it was the Ritz. I saw Jesse Johnson's Revue there during the early 80s. The waiting was over and we were on our way upstairs. Funniest thing overheard while entering the concert area was the floor director radioing downstairs to someone and saying in a loud tone to someone, "I just want to let you know: Someone is messing me up by letting so many people upstairs at one time. "

We found a great vantage point on one of the risers in the back of the crowd. Perfect site and close to the stage at the same time. Our friend, JD was asked to come onstage and stand next to Renato Neto and John Blackwell. Glad you had fun bro.

The NPG Band came onstage one by one and each member was given a rousing applause by the crowd. Someone screamed, "Mike Phillips" and Mike yelled out " What's up?" . The setup was that intimate where you could hear onstage banter over the noise of the crowd.Rhonda gave the funk sign when she received her applause. Prince was the last to arrive onstage and the party was on.

He cued the NPG into "Musicology". Prince nattily attired in a black suit with white high-collared shirt and black high-heeled boots was in great form. Looking sharp and energetic, his voice was in stellar level. This song is already a great show opener in just a short period of time. Gi and I had our dance moves on the risers and looking around the crowd, most people were singing all the lyrics and getting them right. Next up was "Dear Mr. Man" which I dig so much and live it sounded great too. Seemed like this is a song which is still in the experimental stage onstage with Prince giving various cues to the NPG on the changes. Very cool to see this music interaction and I will love to see how this song has changed live around July. Prince loves this band and shows it onstage. You should see his smile when he gives it up to the horn section(Greg, Mike Phillips, Candy Dulfer, and Maceo Parker). "Dear Mr. Man" finished and Prince said he would be back to try something else.

Small break and Prince returned centerstage with the band off-stage. Just his guitar and mic. He took off his wedding ring and joked with the people upfront by faking that he was throwing it into the audience like a guitar pick. But, he threw it to Takumi, his guitar tech. The acoustic set started. It has been refreshing to see Prince play the guitar in this fashion on some of his tunes. I have seen many singer/songwriters on my radio show and onstage. And Prince really takes this arena to another level with his guitar playing, showmanship, and genuine anecdotes during the set. We heard "Cream", "I Could Never Take The Place of Your Man" (he asked if that song reminded people of his school) and "Sweet Thing (reminded Prince of high school), snippet of "Proud Mary" (Prince prefaced this by saying this was the first song he learned on guitar and it could impress people), and he ended the set with "Sometimes It Snows in April". My one question is he played a funky, fast riff 2/3rds during the set: What was that song?

Band returned onstage: The encore was on funkstyley. "Life 'O' The Party" is the musical funk thread for the new material. What I mean is that Prince can weave other grooves and songs thruout this jam. I heard funk, latin, Maceo Parker's "Uptown Up" and some Beyoncé thrown in the gumbo. Next, Chance Howard's great version of "Soul Man" with he and Prince synching dance steps upfront. The funkdafied rendition of "Kiss" wrapped it up. Still trying to figured why this song sounds so great recently: The bass lick, the phat horns, Mike Scott's chicken grease on the guitar??? Awesome. I was on the risers jumping up and down during this song and after the song finished, my shirt had fallen out of my suit pants and it looked like I had been rolled in a back alley.

Much love and thanks to Prince and the NPG for the music (which is first and foremost). Great vibe from the NPGMC members and nice to talk with Al. And we headed out into the New York night with smiles on our faces.[/b]

Cool stuff Joe!

bkw said:

You are welcome my friend.

Just a quick afterthought. Once again, Prince brings together a diverse crowd and pulls them together for one common cause. Yet, to meet an artist who does this better.

Peace
Joe

JoeKelley said:

Well said!! I think that's the one thing that impresses me the most about P...the way in which he makes one forget about any differences we may have through the collective love for the music. When I saw him in at Staples for that 1st show, the one thing I noticed was that it looked a little like CHURCH. By that, I mean that there were many, MANY different kinds of people all seperate, yet connected for those 2 plus hours. It even carried over on the way out to the car. It was like we all looked at each other like...I know this may sound a bit silly...but like we were leaving one giant FAMILY REUNION!! And, for that fact alone, I appreciated the man and his art.

Anyway, good work on your show!! Thanks for the review.

Strike