200929
Review: The Prince Of Monaco
Monaco Prince Poster.
Prince Of Monaco
At first look, the seating arrangements and standard of dress left one wondering whether concertgoers would know they were about to get hit by the groove train, or if they would sit through it all as if in a chichi, Muzak-infused dining car/banquet hall. Thankfully everyone, even dressed to the nines, tens and elevens, was aboard for the musical melange from the moment Prince and the band (Renato Neto, Rhonda Smith, John Blackwell, Morris Hayes and harmonicist Frederic Yonnet) set in motion.
Prince took (or more accurately owned) the stage in a purple and gold ensemble befitting of (musical) royalty at this black-tie affair, showing concertgoers what a Prince in Monaco can do -- tear things up, avec joie et grace! He started the show off with Purple Rain, much to our surprise, and from there moved on to When Eye Lay My Hands on U and a steamy, slowed-down version of Little Red Corvette that's sure to become a favorite.
A mirror ball dropped down for the opening notes of Somewhere Here on Earth, creating a mood well-suited to the room. After that the band rocked things out a bit on Cream, with Yonnet jumping in on the action. Miss You (the Stones classic) turned into a singalong, dancealong funky jam, with Yonnet soloing through Prince's mic. The crowd ate it up.
Later in the set they romped through 1999, turning the hall into dance club once again. Prince guided them through a an extended improvised version of Controversy, working the crowd with Housequake callouts and playful chants about Monaco.
For the dinner party's encore, of course came the dessert, the jam not to be topped this night, la vie du partie -- A Love Bizarre. By the end of the song, many well-heeled folks were onstage, getting their groove on. As if the jam wasn't funky enough on its own, Prince and the band broke it down to just the beat and dropped in some licks from Love Rollercoaster, whipped in a little Sexy Dancer and added a dash vocals from Dance 4 Me. Cool Whip couldn't top this!
Nothing Compares 2 U closed out the night, many of the dancers still onstage circling Prince as he crooned his much-loved classic. This has been a night and a week those in Monte Carlo will not soon forget. Even with the summer music festival drawing near it's close, event staff enjoyed this as if they'd never been to a concert. Perhaps they'd experienced their Prince in Monaco many times, but never like this. Bon nuit!
(Thanks to the no-name reporter.-Dr.FB)
200921
More Info On Prince & Montreux
Drfunkenberry.com Exclusive Photo Of Prince
We just got word that Prince has rehearsed the 3 players: John Blackwell, Rhonda Smith and Renato Neto for 2 weeks now and taught them new and old material alike as well as a few covers. Sounds cool.
Prince is using a smaller crew these days to allow space for the audience to properly hear his favorite players right now.
We are being told that Prince will, of course be featured on guitar throughout the concert but mainly this year his goal is to showcase his sometimes overlooked vocal abilities.
Hence the stripped down vibe of this crew.
As shown on his most recent performance on the Tonight Show, Prince feels he is improving as a vocalist and has taken the time to re-work arrangements to showcase his gift.
Some tunes will just feature Renato on piano and Prince on vocals. He is Prince's favorite pianist and as a fan of his work, it's a treat for him just listening to Renato every night without any audible distraction.
Prince has also been listening alot to new jazz star Esperanza Spalding. He attended her concert in St. Paul, Minnesota recently and she and her impressive band came over to Prince's Paisley Park Studio for a tour and jam session that lasted til sunrise. Now that's hot! He loves to play with her and always teases he will join her band one day when he's good enough. Ha! BTW, she is a must see if you ever y'll get the chance.
In addition to Esperanza, Prince is a big fan of Ana Moura. Her command of an audience is very impressive. She has a strong voice that radiates sensuality. Accompanied by 3 musicians when Prince saw her, Ana was a template as well as Esperanza for Prince's new approach to performance.
Awesome news. Let's hope this concert makes it's way to the United States soon!-Dr.FB
200919
Prince Will Be Performing 2 Shows At The Montreux Jazz Festival
Prince Performing Earlier This Year. Photo: WireImage.com
The Montreux Jazz Festival is going to be a little bit more funky this year as a musical genius is planning on taking the stage not once, but twice.
The one and only Prince WILL be performing 2 shows at Montreux this year and he is bringing a musically talented band with him. Playing with Prince at the legendary festival will be Rhonda Smith, Renato Neto, and John Blackwell.
In his 31 years in music, Prince has won every award imaginable from a Grammy to an Oscar to one of the youngest inductees ever into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. He performed at the 2007 Super Bowl in the rain no less and still gave off the performance of a lifetime.
In 2007, Prince gave a legendary performance at The Montreux Jazz Festival where tickets sold out in record time. So when ticket information and tickets become available this time, make sure to reserve your spot if you plan to attend.-Dr.FB
20094
Rhonda Smith Getting Funky At The Aqua Lounge
Dr.Funkenberry.com Exclusive: Rhonda Smith & April Sutton & Friend. Photo: Seren Dipity
- Drfunkenberry.com Exclusive. Rhonda Smith At The AquaLounge. Photo: Seren Dipity
This was sent in to us. While attending a club in Beverly Hills called the Aqua Lounge, she was surprised to see one of our favorite all-time bass players Rhonda Smith playing with a band.
So out came the camera during all that funk and sending it to us to share with you. Hope you enjoy and hope we get to hear Rhonda slapping that bass sometime soon. Thanks for sending this in!-Dr.FB
200925
The List Of Musicians Performing With Prince In March Are….
MUSICIANS SLATED 2 PER4M WITH PRINCE 4 THE MONTH OF MARCH R AS FOLLOWS:
on Drums:
MICHAEL BLAND
CC. DUNHAM
JOHN BLACKWELL
on bass:
RHONDA SMITH
JOSHUA DUNHAM
SONNY T.
keyboards:
RENATO NETO
MR. HAYES
backing and co-lead vox:
SHELBY J.
LIV WARFIELD
ELISA FIORILLO
harmonica: yONNET
We just got this in from Prince's camp. Is it next week yet?-Dr.FB
