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July 1
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Candy Dulfer writes about touring with Prince
Dutch saxophonist Candy Dulfer recently posted a "diary" entry on her web site in which she describes her experience touring with Prince and playing with Maceo Parker, Greg Boyer, Larry Graham, and the rest of the band:
Touring with Prince
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June 20
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One Nite Alone: Montreal and Toronto Articles
Several readers have provided us with links 2 the following articles on Prince & The NPG's recent Montreal and Toronto appearances:
La détonation funk de Prince, La Presse, June 19, 2002 (article in French)
What a Prince, Toronto Sun, June 17, 2002
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June 12
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One Nite Alone: Regina Articles
Several readers have provided us with links 2 the following articles on Prince & The NPG's recent Regina appearance:
Prince made us true believers, The Regina Reader Post, June 12, 2002
Crowd got its money's worth, The Regina Reader Post, June 12, 2002
The night was cool, but Prince was hot, The Regina Reader Post, June 12, 2002
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June 10
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One Nite Alone: Winnipeg Review
Several readers have provided us with links 2 the following reviews of Prince & The NPG's recent Winnipeg appearance:
Purple Funk, The Winnipeg Sun review, June 7, 2002
Royal Audience, The Winnipeg Sun soundcheck review, June 7, 2002
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June 2
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One Nite Alone: Edmonton review
Several readers have provided us with links 2 the following reviews of Prince & The NPG's recent Edmonton appearance:
Top-shelf Prince, The Edmonton Sun review, June 1, 2002
An Audience with Prince, The Edmonton Sun soundcheck review, June 1, 2002
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June 1
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Articles on XENOPHOBIA event
Several readers have provided us with links 2 the following articles on the XENOPHOBIA event June 21-27:
Jones, Musiq Celebrate With Prince, RollingStone.com
Prince Opens Up For 'Xenophobia', Billboard.com
Prince to Host 'Xenophobia', Reuters.com
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Press Release:
SOURCE NPG Music Club
Web Site: http://www.NPGMusicClub.com
Xenophobia - Prince's Week-Long Celebration at Paisley Park June 21st - 27th
xen-o-pho-bi-a n. An intense fear or dislike of foreign people,
their customs and culture, or foreign things.
MINNEAPOLIS, May 29 /PRNewswire/ -- On the heels of his
critically-acclaimed, sold-out One Nite Alone tour, Prince is bringing the
funk back home to Minneapolis. From June 21st through June 27th, Prince will
open up Paisley Park to the public in a celebration mysteriously named
Xenophobia. Fans from around the world will come together for a week of
unforgettable performances, musician workshops, daily discussions led by
special guests and listening sessions for new NPG music. In addition to guest
performers like longtime friend Sheila E and newcomer Norah Jones, Prince and
his NPG band will perform every night of Xenophobia.
Xenophobia performance line-up:
Friday, June 21st - Maceo Parker
Saturday, June 22nd - Sheila E. and the E/Train
Sunday, June 23rd - Victor Wooten
Monday, June 24th - Norah Jones
Tuesday, June 25th - Bernard Allison
Wednesday, June 26th - Musiq
Thursday, June 27th - Rachelle Ferrell
Weekly passes for Xenopobia are on sale now to NPG Music Club members only
for $250 per person. Each ticket is valid for the entire week and will grant
its passholder access to nightly performances by Prince and special guests
(see above). During the day, passholders can listen to new music, attend
discussions with guest speakers, and meet other fans from around the world.
Children under 11 years old will be admitted free of charge. Tickets can be
purchased by members of the Club at NPGMusicClub.com. Day passes
for the general public will be available for the outside and limited inside
activities. Depending upon space available, a limited number of tickets for
the nightly concerts may be available to the general public. Partial proceeds
from Xenophobia will go to Prince's charity Love4OneAnother.
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May 29
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One Nite Alone: Vancouver review
Several readers have provided us with links 2 the following review of Prince & The NPG's recent show:
Princely Power Of Surrender, Canada.com review, May 29, 2002
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May 22
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One Nite Alone: Canada Tour Dates
May 28 - Vancouver - Orpheum
May 31 - Edmonton - N. Alberta Jubilee
June 2 - Calgary - S. Alberta Jubilee
June 3 - Regina - Centre Of The Arts
June 4 - Saskatoon - Centennial Auditorium
June 6 - Winnipeg - Walker Theatre
June 13 - Hamilton - Hamilton Place
June 15 - Toronto - Massey Hall
June 16 - Ottawa - National Arts Center
June 18 - Montreal - Molson Centre Theater
4 details, check Ticketmaster.ca 4 venues addresses, showtimes, general public onsale dates, etc.
Members of the NPG MUSIC CLUB get 2 buy tickets 2 days in advance and included with their presale ticket they get 2 access the soundcheck and VIP access 2 the afterparty.
All dates r subject 2 change at any time. More dates added in the months 2 come. Details of the member presale will b announced the b4 the presales take place thru emale and on the MEMBER site.
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May 17
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One Nite Alone: Phoenix review
Several readers have provided us with links 2 the following review of Prince & The NPG's recent show:
Phoenix New Times review, May 16, 2002
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APRIL 29
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One Nite Alone: Latest April articles
Several readers have provided us with links 2 the following reviews and articles on Prince & The NPG's recent April shows:
"Purple reign may be over, but Prince is still rocking" (The Times-Picayune), New Orleans, April 20, 2002
"Past or Present, Prince Near Perfect" (The Los Angeles Times), LA, April 22, 2002
"Stage is Prince's pulpit" (The Orange County Register), Hollywood, April 22, 2002
"The eclectic Prince still reigns supreme as a live performer " (The Daily News), Hollywood, April 23, 2002
"Prince performing live: unpredictable, unparalleled" (The Mercury News), Oakland, April 24, 2002
"Purple reign at the Paramount" (The San Francisco Chronicle), Oakland, April 24, 2002
"No jesting: Prince shows are concerts fit for a king" (The Oregonian), Portland, April 26, 2002
"The divine one: Prince adds a 'Rainbow' of religion to his eclectic musical pot " (The Seattle Times), Seattle, April 26, 2002
"Prince is back with an old name and a new mouth" (The Seattle Post-Intelligencer), Seattle, April 26, 2002
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April 2
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One Nite Alone 2002:
More dates added:
March 29 - Washington, DC - Warner Theatre
March 30 - Washington, DC - Warner Theatre
March 31 - Washington, DC - Warner Theatre
April 3 - Atlanta, GA - Symphony Hall
April 4 - Atlanta, GA - Symphony Hall
April 6 - Lakeland, FL - Lakeland Center
April 9 - New York City, NY - Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center
April 12 - Kansas City, MO - Midland Center
April 14 - Houston, TX - Verizon Theater
April 15 - New Orleans, LA - Saenger Theater
April 16 - Dallas, TX - Fairpark Music Hall
April 19 - HOLLYWOOD - The Kodak Theater
April 20 - HOLLYWOOD - The Kodak Theater
April 24 - Oakland, CA - Paramount
April 26 - Phoenix, AZ - Dodge
April 29 - Portland, OR - Schnitzer
April 30 - Seattle, WA - Paramouunt
4 details, check Ticketmaster.com 4 venues addresses, showtimes, general public onsale dates, etc.
Members of the NPG MUSIC CLUB get 2 buy tickets 2 days in advance and included with their presale ticket they get 2 access the soundcheck and VIP access 2 the afterparty.
All dates r subject 2 change at any time. More dates added in the months 2 come. Details of the member presale will b announced the b4 the presales take place thru emale and on the MEMBER site.
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MARCH 09
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Press Release:
SOURCE: NPG Music Club
One Nite Alone With Prince Tour Shows More Open and Personal Relationship With Fans; From Open Sound-Checks to Front Row Seats, NPG Music Club Gives Fans the First and Best of Prince
NEW YORK, March 6 /PRNewswire/ -- For fans, One Nite Alone with Prince is
proving to be one of the most interactive and personal concerts to date.
From
candid conversations with Prince during sound-checks and exclusive VIP access
to after-parties to being invited onstage during a show, fans are feeling
their relationship with Prince grow to a new personal level both on and off
the stage.
The vehicle driving this enhanced openness?
The NPG Music Club. 2002 NPG Music Club members are enjoying the benefits of membership.
Only
NPG Music Club members are given access to closed sound checks where they
candidly discuss with Prince everything from set lists to Music Club
improvement suggestions.
Only NPG Music Club members are given a 48-hour jump
on concert tickets, granting them the best seats in the house, well ahead of
Ticketmaster.
Only NPG Music Club members are ensured the first and best
spots at Prince after-parties.
Only NPG Music Club members can be certain
their voices are heard by Prince.
But the best part about Saturday's soundcheck was it allowed us to
share our thoughts about The Club and how things are working and/or not
working! I love how he just comes down and sits and talks with us. Prince
really listened to our concerns and was very receptive to the things we
were saying. That means alot to me! We listen to him... and he listens to
us too!
-- Jo, Chicago, IL
His name is Prince and he's funkier then ever. He sang like a bird,
conducted crowd singalongs like he conducted his band, asked a couple of
women and a little girl to dance onstage most of the show and even
ventured into the first town to sing an autograph. It's nice to have him
back, happier and funkier than he's been in a long time.
-- Doug Pullen, Flint Journal
Word was sent via email, 2 NPGMC members, stating that if U had
tickets for any up coming event (through March 11th) 2 appear at the
venue at 5:30 p.m. At that time U were issued a laminate, if Ur name
appeared on the list of current members of the NPGMC (loved the
perks!!!). This laminate (which will b different 4 each show) would
allowed U access 2 the soundcheck and 2 the afterparty! U would also b
allowed 2 bring 1 guest with U 4 the experience!
... lucky NPGMC members were not only treated 2 a soundcheck but 2 a
Q&A session with Prince himself. Prince was overwhelmed with questions
and concerns about the ticket scalping that goes on 4 his shows.
-- Jill, Chicago, IL
The advantages to this enhanced, personal relationship aren't only being
felt by the fans.
Prince wants the first 4 rows of his shows to be filled by
fans who love the music and didn't pay to hear ``Purple Rain'' for the millionth
time.
Prince wants to hear from his fans what's working and not working with
the NPG Music Club.
Prince loves the crowd to take part in the creative
process. Prince loves to invite his fans on stage to dance their hearts out.
(In Chicago, he spontaneously invited the ushers onstage and was delighted to
have them abandon their posts and join him as he blasted ``Pass the Peas.'')
Prince loves his fans. 2002 NPG Music Club 2001 marked the inception of Prince's NPG Music Club, where members were
connected like ``family'' and enjoyed an unprecedented amount of new music,
preferred seating at Prince shows and countless other rewards.
2002 NPG Music
Club members can expect even more new music, books, instruments and gear as
well as soundcheck access, after-show parties and at least four new Prince
CDs.
With a one-time $100 fee that covers the whole year, the 2002
NPG Music Club proves that membership actually does have its privileges.
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FEBRUARY 17
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Press Release:
SOURCE: Prince
One Nite Alone With Prince; A Man and His Music
'If in Resurrection one enters a new level of existence, then Prince's The Rainbow Children shows his ability to transcend his own musical genius. The Rainbow Children expounds Prince's musical breadth and wisdom, traversing myriad genres-funk, jazz, rock and gospel.' -- New York Press
NEW YORK, Feb. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Music's peerless leader Prince will set out on a national Spring tour giving audiences a show like they've never seen before. Playing opera houses and jazz halls, Prince's thought-provoking show will attract a hip, mature audience that prefers authentic, good music to glossy lip-syncing extravaganzas. Much of the show will feature songs off his recent album The Rainbow Children which critics have been heralding as ``one of Prince's most challenging and fascinating works to date'' (USA Today), ``easily the richest and most rewarding Prince album in a decade'' (Chicago Sun-Times) and ``a spontaneous-sounding, jazz-oriented work'' (New York Daily News). Simultaneously, Prince's NPG Music Club will enter its second year and, as always, members will receive special rewards exclusive only to them.
With no bungee cords, pyrotechnics or back-up dancers in sight, Prince will present a stripped-down show that allows the music to speak for itself. Catering to a sexy, mature audience, the jazz-tinged show will feature selections that Prince has never before performed (most notably material from The Rainbow Children) as well as classic hits he hasn't played in years. In a performance littered with piano and guitar solos, Prince will take the stage with special guests including veteran saxophonists Maceo Parker and Candy Dulfer. Like all Prince after-shows, nothing will be scripted (including no set list) leaving the audience to enjoy many spontaneous surprises!
2001 marked the inception of Prince's NPG Music Club, where members were connected like ``family'' and enjoyed an unprecedented amount of new music, preferred seating at Prince shows and countless other rewards. With the launch of its second year, 2002 NPG Music Club members can expect even more new music, books, instruments and gear as well as soundcheck access, after-show parties and at least four new Prince CDs. With a $100 sign-up fee, the 2002 NPG Music Club proves that membership actually does have its privileges.
Enter new levels of existence; xperience a man and his music this Spring.
One Nite Alone With Prince:
Friday, March 1st - Saginaw, MI - Heritage Theatre
Saturday, March 2nd - Chicago, IL - Chicago Theater
Tuesday, March 5th - Columbus, OH - Ohio Theatre
Wednesday, March 6th - Detroit, MI - Opera House
Thursday, March 7th - Buffalo, NY - Shea's Theater
Saturday, March 9th - Louisville, KY - Palace Theater
Sunday, March 10th - Cleveland, OH - Palace Theater
Monday, March 11th - Indianapolis, IN - Murat Center
More dates announced later
To become a 2002 NPG Music Club member, visit http://www.npgmusicclub.com.
SOURCE: Prince
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FEBRUARY 11
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New tour dates 4 Prince & The NPG
Here's the 1st group of tour dates on what will become the 2002 world-wide tour:
March 1 - Saginaw, MI - Heritage Theater - Onsale Feb. 16
March 2 - Chicago, IL - The Chicago Theater - Onsale Feb. 18
March 3 - Chicago, IL - The Chicago Theater
March 5 - Columbus, OH - Ohio - Onsale Feb. 25
March 6 - Detroit, MI - Opera House - Onsale Feb. 23
March 7 - Buffalo, NY
March 9 - Louisville, KY - Palace Theater - Onsale Feb. 18
March 10 - Cleveland, OH - Palace Theater - Onsale Feb. 16
March 11 - Indianapolis - Murat Center - Onsale March 1
All NPG Music Club 2002 members will receive members-only presale oppor2nities and b able 2 purchase tickets 2 days earlier than the general public.
All dates r subject 2 change at any time. More dates added in the months 2 come. Details of the member presale will b announced the night b4 the presales take place thru emale and on the MEMBER site.
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January 7
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The Rainbow Children CD REVIEW
The New Prince : Rainbow Children
If you’re an old Prince fan (there probably hasn’t been a new Prince fan for a decade), you’re probably going to like this one. If you’ve never been into Prince before, be warned. This CD is not anything like the Prince you’ve heard about before.
‘The Rainbow Children’ is his second album since he got his name back, dropped Warner Brothers and pioneered a new kind of contract between artistes and record companies.
But this album could be more important than his last five or six because it is not just a collection of great Prince tunes. It’s a concept album, a movie, a manifesto of the new perversion-free lifestyle and philosophy that the Purple One now professes and promotes.
First off, you have to know that while this CD is chock full of funk, it is also full of the presence of a long-time friend of Prince called Jesus Christ. It might be the funkiest gospel album since Kirk Franklin made Christianity cool in the late 90s.
Prince always used to big up JC. Some of his greatest non-hits, like ‘The Cross’ and ‘The Tears In Your Eyes’ are specifically about the greatest sacrifice of all time. The difference between this one and other Christ-loving collections by Prince (Love Sexy, Sign O’ The Times) is that nowhere, and I mean nowhere on this album does Prince resort to his trademark sexual innuendo and straight-out provocation. Like I said, it’s a Christian record, except with Prince’s distinctive touch. Your granny is going to love some of these songs.
‘The Rainbow Children’ is not a collection of hits. It’s a mix of a few long epics, some ordinary length ballads and a few very short interludes. If you want a record chock full of hits, go back and buy yourself the Purple Rain CD. This one is the kind of thing you listen to on your own time, or with a few intelligent friends, while discussing spirituality, the liberation struggle and the future of the human race. Or on the car stereo on the way to Indies. Or a prayer meeting, depending on your taste.
It opens with a 10-minute title track that starts with a spoken word intro on the storyline. The soundtrack of this movie is live Afro-jazzy funk, but the story is about the battle between good and evil. The Rainbow Children battle the Banished Ones to restore the Palace. A storyline straight out of Revelations.
The highlight song is ‘The Work, Part One’ where this wiser, God-lier Prince says ‘We’re living in a system the devil designed…but I’m willing to do the work.’ The work of God, that is. Another highlight is ‘Family Name’ where Prince connects his spiritual search with the black man’s struggle, basing colonialism, while erasing the notions of white and black. It could be a hit, if it wasn’t eight minutes long. And finally, it ends with ‘The Last December’ an epic number engineered to move your spirit. In between, ballads like ‘Muse to The Pharaoh’, ‘Mellow’ and She Loves Me 4 Me’ are aimed at promoting lifelong romance, instead of the passing sexual fancies that Prince songs have been known to promote.
It’s still Prince - blasting horns, beats for your hips and your feet and funky, funky guitar. But you’ve never heard him like this before. He’s in a whole new zone. And it’s a better place to be than the strange no man’s land he has inhabited for the last few years. It might not sell 10 million, like Purple Rain, but you can bet on it that in a few years it will be known as one of the most important trend-setting records of the early 21st century. Or at least a defining moment in the career of one of the most important artistes in the history of soul, R&B, pop and rock music.
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December 6
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Press Release:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 6, 2001
PRINCE MAKES NEW SONG
"SHE LOVES ME 4 ME"
AVAILABLE FOR **FREE** DOWNLOAD
Song Off Controversial New Album THE RAINBOW CHILDREN
New York, NY--Prince is once again using the power of the Internet to make his controversial new album The Rainbow Children even more accessible to fans. Starting December 10th the album's song "She Loves Me 4 Me" will be able for **free** download at www.therainbowchildren.com. In April of this year, Prince gave fans an initial taste when he released the album's first track, "The Work- Pt. 1" as a cybersingle on Napster. The Rainbow Children was released on NPG Records on November 20th and is being distributed by Redline Entertainment.
In this age of advertisement-driven product where the music seemingly matters the least, NPG employed a unique strategy to make people focus solely on the music. With no video, no single at radio and no promotion from Prince, The Rainbow Children has made the critical splash NPG had hoped for:
USA Today: "[Prince takes] provocative discourse to a higher plane without abandoning his lust for greasy funk and bump-and-grind beats. Prince slams hypocrisy, racism, sexism and spiritual bankruptcy in his strongest sacred and social statements since 1987's Sign 'O' The Times. Peerless production, experimental glee and brilliant musicianship add up to one of Prince's most challenging and fascinating works to date."
New Yorker: "The Rainbow Children is an album in the classic sense of the word, a 70-minute suite that comprises R&B ballads, funk workouts, instrumental interludes and even sermonizing. Here everything works, from the tapestry of guitar textures in "Family Name" to the fuzzy and deeply funky bass that kicks off 'The Everlasting Now.'"
Chicago Tribune: "…some of Prince's strongest in years, a veritable fashion show of killer melodies dressed up in funk, gospel, soul and gypsy-rock finery. Prince is back at the top of his game."
Billboard: "The album could easily be subtitled "How Prince Got His Groove Back," as it deftly balances sweet ballads, outer-space jazz, acid-rock and firecracker funk superior to almost anything he's offered since perhaps Sign 'O' The Times."
Chicago Sun-Times: "[The Rainbow Children] adds up to make what is easily the richest and most rewarding Prince albums in a decade."
About the NPG Music Club
Prince gave his fans a first listen by making The Rainbow Children available for download on his NPG Music Club a full month before the album's November 20th release. Since it's inception in February 2001, the NPG Music Club has been connecting members like family. For an annual $100 fee premium members will get preferred seating at ALL Prince concerts as well as VIP passes to ALL after shows/parties. In fact, premium members enjoyed these VIP amenities at Prince shows last Spring. In addition, premium members and basic monthly members (basic monthly membership is $7.77 each month) receive a minimum of 3 tantalizing new NPG songs each month accompanied by corresponding music videos. All members receive a free one-hour radio show hosted by NPG members including Prince featuring music, commentary and original skits. Growing with the dawn of each day, the NPG Music Club will continue to develop creative incentives and rewards for its members.
To become a NPG Music Club member, log onto www.npgmusicclub.com.
PRESS CONTACT:
Jessica Brenner
Susan Blond, Inc.
(212) 333-7728, ext. 103
jessica@susanblondinc.com
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December 4
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What the critics r saying about The Rainbow Children:
"How fitting that Prince's resurrection as a pop visionary comes by way of a religious awakening. Having exhausted sexual taboos, the recently converted Jehovah's Witness bravely plunges into the forbidden zone of faith, taking provocative discourse to a higher plane without abandoning his lust for greasy funk and bump-and-grind beats. Preaching peace and harmony, Prince slams hypocrisy, racism, sexism and spiritual bankruptcy in his strongest sacred and social statements since 1987's masterful Sign 'o' the Times. Periodic slides into piety and dogma are forgotten in the heady rush of strikingly original music, a soulful symphony of rock, funk, gospel and jazz hybrids. Flawed only by its irritating Darth-like narrator, The Rainbow Children delivers salvation from mediocrity in an often-bewildering interplay of biblical references and sensual grooves. Peerless production, experimental glee and brilliant musicianship add up to one of Prince's most challenging and fascinating works to date, whatever your take on the enigmatic valentines to God."
- Edna Gundersen, USA Today
"He's finally changed his tune. Prince has given up on making booty funk for horny 14-year-olds. Sonically, this 14-track disc is his most sophisticated and jazziest -- yet it's still typically experimental. While the music intrigues, the lyrics challenge. The Rainbow Children is a concept album about God, spirituality and a world in which people of all colors get along."
- John Bream, Minneapolis Star Tribune
"Then again, with the finger removed from the dam, the subsequent flood of music may have simply been too overwhelming to process. Either way, Prince's latest salvo, the enigmatic concept album The Rainbow Children, is strong and strange enough that it calls for a reassessment of his most recent output. The album could easily be subtitled 'How Prince Got His Groove Back,' as it deftly balances sweet ballads, outer-space jazz, acid-rock, and firecracker funk superior to almost anything he has offered since perhaps Sign O' the Times."
- Joshua Kline, Billboard
"The unity of sonic vision throughout the set is impressive, yielding a smartly produced whole that is dense and cohesive but not cluttered. Drummer John Blackwell is as important to that end as Prince, powering the dynamic jazz of the title track and the smooth calypso groove of 'She Loves Me 4 Me' alike."
- Thomas Kintner, Goldmine Magazine
"Incorporating jazz and gospel more than ever before on cuts such as "Mellow" and "The Work Pt. 1," respectively, and even experimenting a bit with classical arrangements, Prince reminds you why he once called himself simply the Artist."
- People Magazine
"You could spend a week trying to untangle the plot and cast of The Rainbow Children, though that would be a deeply maddening seven days. Prince seems to be conjuring a biblical allegory of sorts -- there are many references to God and Christ -- as he declaims about race, love and enlightenment."
- David Segal, Washington Post
"The Rainbow Children is an album in the classic sense of the word, a seventy-minute suite that comprises R. & B. ballads, funk workouts, instrumental interludes, and even sermonizing. Here everything works, from the tapestry of guitar textures in 'Family Name' to the fuzzy and deeply funky bass that kicks off 'The Everlasting Now.' The drumming deserves special mention: like many studio wizards, Prince has often relied on drum machines, but, as Sheila E. proved back in the late eighties and John Blackwell reiterates here, there's no substitute for a flesh-and-blood drummer who can move from stutter-funk to Latin rhythms to straight-ahead rock and roll. The over-all sound is warm and welcoming; not only do the songs sound lived in but they sound as if Prince had lived in them long enough to decorate."
- Ben Greenman, The New Yorker Magazine
"Loaded with biblical references, the record opens with a stylish, jazzy groove under a sinister electronic voice setting the stage for the tale of a magical world, kind of a digital Garden of Eden populated by the Rainbow Children. It's deep, cryptic stuff although thought-provoking all the same, touching on race relations, sexual roles and spirituality. The upshot is that all races, all religions need to come 'together as one,' as a massive gospel choir sings in the elaborate closing song, Last December. Along the way, Prince is in fine form. He glides effortlessly from shades of James Brown to beautiful soul ballads to fantastical musical hybrids that defy comparison. The music here is bold, challenging and often wildly experimental. Production and musicianship is flawless. Standouts are too many to list."
- Mike Ross, Sun Media/FYI London
"It's been an age since Prince seemed to matter - though the influence of his early work on young acts as different as Basement Jaxx and Alicia Keys is obvious, and The Rainbow Children doesn't sound like it will find a home on MTV or Raio One's playlists. But it's so damned funky, filled with so many moments of beauty, and so utterly strange that it makes you want to go round knocking on people's doors telling him that the wee purple chap is back to his best."
- UK Daily Telegraph
"The release of The Rainbow Children is significant for several reasons: it's the first album Prince has released since reclaiming his given name after nearly seven years as a symbol, it's at once the most spiritually-minded and least commercially-minded collection he's ever produced (besting 1988's Lovesexy for each of these distinctions) and, most importantly, it's one of the greatest works he's ever created. Obviously recorded live in the studio, the album features some of Prince's most inspired electric guitar playing combined with the amazing drumming of secret ingredient John Blackwell. It's a marvel to behold as the pair effortlessly peels off dense jazz structures, butt-shaking funk, theatrical rock and feathery soul ballads -- all while tackling some pretty heavy issues."
- David Stout, Q-Notes Newspaper
"Prince isn't trying to revive his 1980s heyday here. He didn't hire the producers du jour to give his album just the right 'Total Request Live' sheen. Unlike Michael Jackson, that other 43-year-old whose commercial highpoint was achieved when Reagan was president, Prince seems less interested in competing with Kid Rock or Destiny's Child than in crafting songs that reflect the man he is now."
- Rene E Graham, Boston Globe
"The Rainbow Children is a jazz-, gospel-, and rock-fueled collection that reestablishes Prince's cred as a funk visionary walking the line between sin and salvation. Unlike his '80s pop nemesis, Michael Jackson, whose 2001 comeback, Invincible, followed in the footsteps of younger pop artists such as 'N Sync, Prince is not concerned with making music for the Total Request Live set. The Rainbow Children is his most spiritually -- and socially -- aware work since his 1987 masterpiece, Sign o' the Times, one whose gospel-powered lyrics will raise a few eyebrows."
- Tracy Hopkind, Barnes&Noble.com
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NOVEMBER 5
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Observer article on Prince and The Rainbow Children
Reader Damian F reports that the on-line version of the Observer (UK) has an article on Prince and The Rainbow Children. Click here 2 access the article directly.
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OCTOBER 30
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In4mation on The Rainbow Children Cover Art
Reader Brian H. Marston reports:
The Reine Keis Quintet by C'babi Bayoc graces the cover of The Rainbow
Children. C'babi, 29, is a St. Louis-based painter and illustrator whose
name is an acronym for Creative Black Artist Battling Ignorance, Blessed
African Youth of Creativity. You can read an interview with him in the
September issue of The Commonspace, an e-zine about grassroots civics and
culture in St. Louis. .
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OCTOBER 12
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Prince's Controversial New Album 'The Rainbow Children' Available Exclusively to NPG Music Club Members www.npgmusicclub.com
NEW YORK, Oct. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The artist who first blurred the lines
between sexy and innocent, male and female, slavery and freedom is once again
the topic of heated conversation. Prince's long-awaited controversial new
album "The Rainbow Children" will be exclusively available for download in its
entirety to NPG Music Club members on October 17th.
The album, adorned with challenging lyrics like, "accurate knowledge of
Christ and the Father will bring the everlasting now" will leave the listener
contemplating, "Accurate knowledge? Everlasting now? ... hmmm!" "The Rainbow
Children" was not created to neatly fit into today's limiting guidelines, but
instead was created as a conversation piece that will incite thought,
discussion and ultimately revelation among its listeners.
In April 2001, Prince and the NPG Music Club gave music-lovers a taste of
"The Rainbow Children" when they released the first track, "The Work- Pt. 1"
as a cybersingle on Napster. On October 17th NPG Music Club members will now
have the exceptional opportunity to download Prince's new album "The Rainbow
Children" in its entirety.
Since it's inception in February 2001, the NPG Music Club has been
connecting members like family. For an annual $100 fee premium members will
get preferred seating at ALL Prince concerts as well as VIP passes to ALL
after shows/parties. In fact, premium members enjoyed these VIP amenities at
Prince shows last Spring. In addition, premium members and basic monthly
members (basic monthly membership is $7.77 each month) receive a minimum of
3 tantalizing new NPG songs each month accompanied by corresponding music
videos. All members receive a free one-hour radio show hosted by NPG members
including Prince featuring music, commentary and original skits. Growing with
the dawn of each day, the NPG Music Club will continue to develop creative
incentives and rewards for its members.
To become a NPG Music Club member, log onto
www.NPGMusicClub.com .
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AUGUST 8
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Prince receives Lifetime Achievement Award from Black College Radio
A reader reports:
Prior to the first performance in Atlanta back in
April, Prince drop by the Black College Awards Dinner to pick up their
Lifetime Achievement Award. With representatives from Black College Radio
from across the US in attendance. The attendees we very inspired by the
short message, given by Prince, educating them on the realities of the music
industry. The hall was colorfully decorated with large banners celebrating
and showing love for the NPGMC.
You can check out the detailed report and
photos at www.blackcollegeradio.com
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| AUGUST 6 |
India.Arie thanx Prince during MPLS show
Nicole Altamirano reports:
India.Arie, whose Motown debut ACOUSTIC SOUL is more than
a breath of fresh air, opened for Sade in Minneapolis, Saturday, August 4th.
Toward the end of her performance she said: "I don't know if Prince is in
the house tonight, but I can't leave Minneapolis without saying 'Thank you
very much for all of the nice things you have been saying about me and my
music'." She was so cute and the crowd was really into her. She started
promptly at 7:30pm to an almost packed crowd at the Target Center. She
thanked us all for showing up early to see her. Personally, she could have
played for another hour.....she was just THAT GOOD! If you have a chance to
see her, where ever you are, find a way to GET THERE!!! (Check her site
under the 'Rhythms' section for tour dates) She's a joy to watch and will
definately move your soul. She's also been nominated for (2) Lady of Soul
Awards! Make sure to go out and buy her CD. I played it non-stop for a
week and carried it everywhere I went.....in fact I'm still carrying it
around! Her writing style reminds me of Stevie Wonder and her
'woman-empowering' lyrics speak to me like no artist out there.
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| EMALE NEWZ |
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