ontheone

2018-11-23T00:17:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the second ONTHEONE podcast! In this podcast we talk to Sans Soucis.

In a fun and laid back interview interspersed with clips of her material, rising star on the London jazz scene, San Soucis talks about the meaning behind the music, inspiration, integrity and the healing power of music and its role in community.

Follow us on
https://www.facebook.com/ontheonepodcast
https://twitter.com/on_the_one
https://www.instagram.com/ontheonepodcast/

You can find Sans Soucis on all socials under @sanssoucismusic and her material is available to purchase or stream from Apple Music, Spotify etc. under Sans Soucis and Sans Soucis Experience.

Please support the music if you like what you hear.

Solo debut single: They Asked Me To Stay
https://sanssoucismusic.bandcamp.com/track/they-asked-me-to-stay

social media links:
https://www.instagram.com/sanssoucismusic/
@sanssoucismusic on every platform

Hatred For Free (live session)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuA0KSyJa2E

Upcoming event:
London Jukebox: Rhythm & Rhymes: Inclusivity (Pt.1)
https://www.facebook.com/events/1763699840419869/

2017-11-07T16:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the first ONTHEONE podcast! In this podcast we talk to Steve Parke, Prince's Artistic Director and Photographer for nearly 15 years from 1988. Steve Parke is exhibiting his photos in the exhibition Picturing Prince: Photographs by Steve Parke at Proud Galleries, London from 9th November to 3rd December 2017. Get more information and tickets from www.proudonline.co.uk

The image above is one of my favourite's from his book and is used with Steve's kind permission. "Untitled" © Steve Parke

2017-11-04T16:11:00.001-07:00

It's been a minute... We'll be back soon with news of Steve Parke's London photo exhibition, The London O2 exhibition and how we will be expanding into the world of podcasting.

Stay tuned!

Prince Wows with "just" Piano & A Microphone

2016-01-23T11:54:00.000-08:00

This week saw what felt like the culmination of a few years of building momentum within the international Prince community. Starting with impromptu gigs in London back in 2014 and Prince's foray into social media, links between Prince fans all over London, the UK, Europe have grown and grown. In the last year or so more and more of us have been lucky enough to make it over to Paisley Park, sometimes catching shows, sometimes not and connecting with communities in Minneapolis. So many of the fans in this international community have a lifelong dream to see Prince perform in his own place, Paisley Park - Recording studios where most of his music has come from and a live performance space that Prince uses as his personal playground to try out new ideas and have fun at impromptu gigs enjoyed by the local Purple faithful.

Following a postponed European tour, Prince announced a concert at Paisley Park with advance ticket sales. This was the first time in over a decade that Prince fans from all over the world could plan ahead knowing that they could get to see Prince perform in his studios complex.

I personally know over 50 people from Europe coordinated and travelled over to a snowy Minneapolis to attend this gig, many of whom never thought they'd get a chance to see such a performance there due to Prince's perennially spontaneous approach to performances here. I'm sure there were many, many more not to mention those traveling from the rest of the world.

The report below is written by Matthew Jeffrey, whose first visit to Minneapolis ended up being a sight seeing trip and an appetite whetting from overhearing Prince's rehearsal for a performance at the The White House from outside the Paisley Park gates.

Dedication has paid off and this is his account of seeing this very special performance.

#SPEECHLESS.

just witnessed the most raw, emotional, stunning 2 concerts that Prince has ever played in his home 'Paisley Park'.

Sometimes words are just not enough to convey some of life's experiences. This is one such time.

Clearly I am a huge fan of Prince's music. Friends and family question the sanity of leaping on a plane to go and see 'just another bloody Prince gig'. 'Matthew, it's a bit obsessive to travel across the world and see him yet again'. But travel we did, Prince fans from right across the world.

We knew when he announced the 'Piano and a Microphone' Gala these would be very special evenings. But perhaps even we were not prepared of what he had in mind. This was the event that Prince was bringing to Europe late last year before ticket touts and terrorist acts in Paris derailed the experience.

I love sharing experiences with people but also recording them for my own memories to re read in years to come. I will try and capture a slice of what went on.

With so many people travelling internationally this was bound to be a special experience. The electrified buzz of excitement started early with cars queueing across the street from the big white mansion Paisley Park. Paisley Park, surrounded with crisp white snow, bathed in soft baby purple lighting looking serenely heavenly in appearance.

Without any fanfare the gates to Paisley Park opened and we shot straight across to be one of the first cars in the carpark. Not met with the shrill tones of the shouty screechy car park attendant but a highly organised crew who marked us off into our VIP area and gave us large circular purple boxes with a t-shirt, HitNRun 2 cd, Musicology cd, VIP lanyard, Piano poster. Parking has never been easier at the park.

Entering Paisley is always a great experience. Through into the foyer, past the Graffiti Bridge bike, getting a hug from Trevor Guy and Kirk Johnson to say hi and thanks for travelling thousands of miles. From the foyer the VIPs were ushered into the Love4OneAnother room. Food (mashed potato, Thai curry and a scrambled egg). had been laid on with free non alcoholic beverages.

Being held in this area the excitement was just off the chain. Seeing friends all smiling, laughing, excited to be there and share the experience was truly fantastic. 'Look up there there's the car headlights from the Sign of the Times album cover'. 'Look at this its Prince's symbol concert mic stand'. 'Wow look at that animal art from Rainbow children'. 'See that door up there that's Prince's private area'. It felt like being on a school trip with all the kids laughing like cackling hyenas.

When the call came the doors opened to Prince's huge soundstage area. The main stage was set up against the side wall. A purple piano surrounded by candles gently flickering creating a feel of tranquility. A large video screen behind the piano with kaleidoscopic images being projected, strangely hypnotising.

Below Prince's main stage were a smattering of cushions for some to sit down followed by a seated section for VIPs, then surrounding round the outside GA standing.

Paisley Park has recently refurnished with a new carpet and sound system. Some people were burning incense candles creating a calming smell.

By the time the concert was due to start the atmosphere was electric. Frenzied. Anticipating.....

Boom. A smoke cannon pumps a huge plume of smoke across the stage. A pause of two or thee minutes then lights down. More smoke. Frenzied cheering. Then the creek of the huge white doors, connecting the Love4OneAnother room with the main stage area, signalled he was coming. The doors have a huge Prince Symbol as these slowly opened to reveal a shadowy figure emerging from the smoke. The main man strode on to the stage. The gladiator to the arena.

Prince defies his 56 years. Yes. Very small. That's a given. Diminutive but looking very fit and healthy. His Afro positively bursting out. He was wearing what looked like a purple satin suit, with mystic moons on the arm cuffs with his traditional white trainers with sparkling red lights activating when he walked / pushed down.

Prince started in a playful mood. Pretending not to want to play the piano. Not to sing. Playfully teasing the audience. Jumping up and down on his seat. Saying 'I think I will watch tv'. Then leaping up onto his piano, sitting down, back to the audience, he playfully pretended to watch tv. He mimed drinking some water, eating potato chips, watching his projection screen. Maybe sublimely he was taking us through his journey with his father. Like most kids do watching tv of his age he decided to learn to play instruments and sing.

After this unusual start he settled to play the piano. As billed this was intimate. It was just Prince. A piano. A microphone.

He started the gig with Batman. Not his version but the old sixties to version. Fun. playful. Unexpected.

Some have compared Prince with Mozart. Both people that are a creative genius in their fields. They both live for music. One a classical genius. The other an innovative Funk legend. But the comparison drew new meaning last night just watching Prince play the piano.

Prince as a pianist is truly gifted. He channels emotion into his playing. Last night was the most personal I have ever witnessed him. He talked about his relationship with his father. He warmly spoke of Wendy and Lisa'. He paid tribute to David Bowie. He was revealing more of his personal nature than we normally get to see or hear. And he channelled this through the piano.

His reference and tribute to Bowie brought tears to a now highly charged audience. It was strange to keep seeing people spontaneously crying. Real tears. Such was the beauty of the music from the piano.

Prince projects real emotion when playing the piano. Pain. Sorrow. Angst. Joy. Laughter. Love. Lust. Sexual desire. His face contorting and gurning to whatever he played.

Prince 'feels' music. He did not use sheet music. He just played. Touch. Feel. All from his memory. And played with exquisite beauty.

Each track was beautifully arranged. Different. As he promised he played hits, (in different ways), b sides, rarities and new tracks.

The setlist from both shows is something you dream of. Take a look below. When has he ever done setlist a like this? No sampler sets. Just pure piano.

He bridged each song with imaginative piano solos. Hauntingly beautiful classical music. Yes. Classical music.

Never have I heard Prince's voice sound so good. His vocal range is outstanding. The high falsetto of 'Kiss'. The low smouldering 'sexy voice' Prince. The yelps. The squeals. All so perfect to almost think this was mastered studio quality.

His voice filled the arena. We heard every whisper. Every moan. When he clicked his fingers it was as sharp sounding as a thunderclap the stamp of his feet reverberating like a kick drum.

Show 1 highlights for me. 'Do me baby', wow. You could cut the sexual tension in the air. 'A Case of U'. Simply breath taking. 'Motherless Child', straight after talking about his dad, caused tears. 'Condition of the heart'. I mean. When do we hear these tracks?

'Sometimes it snows' touched the soul. The audience were in streams of tears. The lyrics of death haunted. Epic.

'The Ballad of Dorothy Parker' was beautiful. 'There was a girl in Paris' opening chords led to some spontaneously standing. 'Starfish and Coffee' was an audience sing along.

He closed show one with 'Anna Stesia'. A fitting end. The audience in raptures. Singing 'God is love, love is God. Girls and boys love God above'. Everyone singing. Prince's own audience gospel choir.

Show 2 highlights. Too many to write. 'Purple Rain' is a track we have heard many times. Last night on piano. The way he arranged it. It felt fresh. I have never heard it like that. The emotion was so raw that the audience again broke down. Openly crying. It needed to be experienced. 'Nothing Compares 2 U'. Another tear jerker. Prince tweeted to use to bring hankies. He was so right.

The highlight of the night for me was 'The Ladder'. He toyed with the audience by starting with the chords. Then just stopping dead with his famous 'you aren't ready for me y'all' look. Then boom. The full version of 'The Ladder'. Oh my. Words fail. Perfection.

These two concerts were intimate. Raw. Emotional. To witness them at Paisley Park. His home. Is simply an unforgettable moment. I felt honoured.

Prince needs to get this tour on the road. It is simply outstanding. This helps define his legend. A guitar god. A given. A world class pianist. Added to the list. The media will revel in the brilliance of his art.

Move over Adele. When this tour hits the road.......emotion overload.

Setlist show 1 8pm

Solo
Batman
Who's Lovin' You
What Are We Gonna Do?
Wanna Be Your Lover
Dirty Mind
Do Me Baby
Something In the Water
Free
A Case Of You
(Joni Mitchell cover)
Motherless Child
The Beautiful Ones
U're Gonna C Me
How Come Your Don't Call Me
Condition Of The Heart
Venus De Milo
Raspberry Beret
Paisley Park
Sometimes It Snows in April
The Ballad of Dorothy Parker
Starfish and Coffee
Eye Love U But I Don't Trust You Anymore
Unchain My Heart
Baltimore
Rock and Roll Love Affair
Anna Stesia

Setlist show 2 11pm

The Unexpected
The Love We Make
Look at Me, Look at U
1000 X's and O's
Call My Name
Purple Rain
The Dance
Te Amo Corazon / A Million Days
Nothing Compares 2 U
How Come You Don't Call Me Anymore
The Ladder
I Wanna Be Your Lover
Raspberry Beret
Starfish and Coffee
Sometimes it Snows in April
Dear Mr. Man
A Case of You
(Joni Mitchell cover)
Kiss
Black Sweat
Free Urself

2015-08-21T01:04:00.001-07:00

Interview with Marcus Anderson

Marcus Anderson is in town again. Over the past eighteen months we've seen him here with Prince, collaborating with Lianne La Havas on a live cover version of Lost & Found at some legendary shows at Kokos in Camden and performing at the iconic Ronnie Scotts in Soho on a version of Purple Rain with a sax solo in place of that famous guitar solo!

 More recently he was here with Liv Warfield on her Not Giving Up Tour, which by all accounts really blew people away that were lucky enough to be there.

 This time Marcus is back in Soho at one of the Capital's best jazz clubs which is celebrating its 50th year in 2015, The Pizza Express Jazz Club in Soho. He will be playing four shows this weekend, filling the early and late slots for both Friday and Saturday evening.

Marcus took some time out to talk to us about Penny Loafers, musical vibrations, Prince's Vault, singers singing like sax players and sax players playing like singers...
 
Listen Below

Tickets for this weekend's shows can be found in the links below

Friday Early Show
http://www.pizzaexpresslive.com/jazzBook.aspx…
Friday Late Show
http://www.pizzaexpresslive.com/jazzBook.aspx…
Saturday Early Show
http://www.pizzaexpresslive.com/jazzBook.aspx…
Saturday Late Show
http://www.pizzaexpresslive.com/jazzBook.aspx…

2015-08-20T02:17:00.002-07:00

Marcus Anderson heads to London this weekend!

This weekend Prince's sax player Marcus Anderson is playing one of the best Jazz venues in London.

He's playing 4 shows, 2 Friday and 2 Saturday

Tickets here

Tickets for Friday Early Show

Tickets for Friday Late Show

Tickets for Saturday Early Show

Tickets for Saturday Late Show

From the Venue's website:

Fri-21-Aug (6:00pm) - £25.00 Marcus Anderson Show Time 7:30pm - 9pm / Doors Open 6pm
The Pop/R&B and Jazz musician’s career is fast becoming one to watch. Hailing from South Carolina, Marcus Anderson is currently performing to audiences all over the world as one of Prince’s saxophonists in New Power Generation. As part of Prince's touring group, Anderson has played and been showcased in such iconic festivals such as the Essence Music Festival, Monteux Jazz Festival and the Curacao North Sea Jazz Festival. With the release of his latest album 'Style Meets Substance', Anderson challenges the status quo of smooth jazz with his smoldering horn, enthralling star quality and command of a stage.

“Touring with Prince has been rewarding in so many different ways; I feel as if I’m in grad school, business classes, and etiquette school all wrapped into one. Thank you Paisley University!”

Watching Marcus Anderson perform is akin to no other live experience. The tremendous musicianship Anderson displays in-person is matched only by his energetic, charismatic and passionate showmanship. Heavily influenced by artists such as Michael Jackson, James Brown and PRINCE, Anderson’s magnetic stage persona and tremendous enjoyment of performing is undeniable. Anderson makes the stage his musical playground and the stage becomes the setting for where “style meets substance”.

NEW RELEASE – STYLE MEETS SUBSTANCE

“Music moves me, so I want to move others the same way” says Anderson, who breaks away from his traditional smooth jazz roots to deliver his new, aptly named album, ‘Style Meets Substance’. Infused with R&B, pop, rock and funky grooves, ‘Style Meets Substance’ is the essence of Anderson himself; soulful, versatile and hard to ignore. Showcasing this electric new record on a world-wide tour in 2014, Anderson is guaranteed to captivate his audiences with his on stage energy and raw talent.

‘Style Meets Substance’, the fifth solo release from Marcus Anderson is the epitome of his musical influences. His trademark horn playing and arrangements provide an album of beautiful momentum that pushes the sonic experience into an exquisite listening pleasure. Sensual sax melodies, smooth jazz standards, funky grooves and Latin beats are all combined into one 13 track album. All songs are written, performed, arranged and produced by Anderson, demonstrating his constant reinvention of contemporary jazz traditions. ‘Style Meets Substance’ also features collaborations with renowned musicians Morris Hayes, Nicholas Cole, and horn players from the New Power Generation.

ABOUT MARCUS ANDERSON

A son of South Carolina, Anderson was introduced to jazz by his father at a young age. The youngest of seven, Anderson grew up performing and singing in church with his older brothers. He later became a member of the All-State High School Jazz Ensemble for South Carolina. After graduation, Anderson studied jazz at North Carolina Central University. There he was a member of the program’s world renowned Jazz Ensemble directed by Dr. Ira Wiggins. He studied with Branford Marsalis and Gospel saxophonist Donald Hayes for several years, achieving many accolades along the way. He received the Chancellor’s Award three years running, and performed for Hilary Clinton and Jesse Jackson.

Anderson’s breakthrough into contemporary jazz circles came in 2009 as the winner of the Capital Jazz Fest Challenge. Since then, Anderson has had a meteoric rise to success, touring with PRINCE, Sheila E. and Anthony Hamilton. Anderson has been honored to open for and join on stage artists such as Ledisi, Lalah Hathaway, Peter White, Boney James, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, George Duke, Wynton Marsalis, Alex Bugnon, Nnenna Freelon, Jeff Lorber, Bob Baldwin and Jennifer Holiday.

In 2011, Anderson released his third critically acclaimed record, NOW, which launched him into the jazz stratosphere. The multi-instrumentalist’s intent was to challenge and stretch his smooth jazz roots, producing a diverse record that reached across R&B, pop and jazz boundaries; showcasing his exceptional growth as producer, arranger and artist. Following the success of his 2011 album ‘NOW’, PRINCE called for Anderson to join him, and Anderson has since then performed and recorded as a featured saxophonist and personality for PRINCE’s New Power Generation.

2015-02-05T16:39:00.002-08:00

Dubai High

Less than 48 hours after leaving London on a purple high, Prince and 3rdEyeGirl setup shop in the exclusive Pacha Ibizia, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. By all accounts this was an intimate but explosive gig. With the crowd close enough to reach out and touch that iconic mic stand the setup sounds like one of Prince's iconic aftershow parties.

Just like the show in London this was a benefir show supporting the work of Autism Rocks, Which was setup by Sanjay Shah. You can read a great article on the work and inspiration behind the charity here

Unlike the show in London, which saw queues around the block, this gig was a smaller afair with the glamorous crowd turning up fashionably late. Chilling by the pool, rather than queueing in the cold was the pre-gig preparation

Once again, Liv Warfield was in the house performing Paloma Faith's Only Love Can Hurt Like This. Other highlights included Pink Cashmere, Empty Room, The Beautiful Ones and an extended version of PretzelBodyLogic with a 10 minute keyboard improvisation.

Reports indicate that Prince was in a relaxed an playful mood, joking with the crowd and threatening to stage dive.

Its great to hear again about Prince and the band out on the road and wowing crowds around the world. Next stop the Grammys?

We'd love to see more time given to the new material, especially Art Official Age which were teased in London. Most of all we are happy to hear about Prince doing his thing and having, fun because time and time again this artist is capable of delivering the kind of experience that we didn't even realise we were looking for.

Thanks to those that have shared their stories and photos for this report

2015-02-03T06:07:00.001-08:00

Shhhhhh!

There are a number of people in #purplelondon who are feeling incredible blessed, shell shocked, funked and rolled!

Once again we found ourselves in London awaiting an audience with Prince in the freezing cold (OK, not Minneapolis cold). In many ways it was a reunion for all the great friends that met during the Hit and Run Tour last year. There streets of Camden were overflowing with the joy of reunion. The lead up to this gig was very different to previous gigs. The gig was a private event for the charity Autism Rocks and attendance was by invitation only. The great thing about this event was that, unlike other private charity gigs which are typically complelety closed, the charity have built up contacts with fans of live music from previous live music events and the tickets are priced, such that the place can be filled with people that love the music, just like a regular gig and the money raised goes to help fun Autism Research.

From the outset there were signs that it was going to be a special gig, bringing something a bit different from the Hit and Run tour last year. Onstage before the gig, sat the Purpleaxxe, Prince's custom-made Keytar

The lighting as the show started was just incredible, and Prince flipped the script by kicking off with Purple Rain. It tapped right into the expectation in the room and then lifted it up, further.


Purple Rain

The whole show was just electric and the surprise of having Liv Warfield in the house, coming out for Take Me With U and U Got the Look was another welcome surprise and also a sweet cover of Paloma Faith's Only Love Can Hurt Like This. Funk and Roll was just INSANE! During the show, Prince teased the audience that he was going to bombard us with hits, which was largely true. We got to hear some that we haven't heard for a while, Forever in My Life, Pop Life, the intro to Darling Nikki had eber veryone one the edge of their seat. Will he? wont he......? He didn't, but switched into Hot Thing with the lights out.

The moment when everyone around me lost the plot was when we heard the opening bars of U Know. The place erupted!! For a moment it felt like we were going to get the whole song and then he switched it up into The Gold Standard and then a short but sweet If I Was Your Girlfriend. When you just get a snippet of a song that you're dying to hear it fells like Prince giveth and Prince taketh away. But he's soon playing another song that gets you back to where you were. I just can't wait to hear these new songs in full live.


Plectrum Electrum

The set closed out with Plectrum Electrum, which is one of my favourites from this group. It's awesome to see how everyone in the group gets a chance to stretch and show what they can do in a way that really moves the crowd.

The encores were just the complete highlight for me - I haven't heard The Breakdown live since Montreux 2013 and it was a touching moment as Prince dedicated it to someone he knows. After the calm of the breakdown we were floored by an incendiary Whats My Name? followed by Sratus and Dreamer

The Breakdown

Dreamer

The second encore was funked up, opening with Let's Work - the whole of Koko was singing along and the a funky splice between Don't Stop Til You Get Enough and C.O.O.L closed out the show.

Tonight Prince did deliver the hits, but he shook them up and threw in a whole load of newer and deeper tracks to feed the soul of the those hungry to hear something a bit different.

It was a perfect dose of Purple Heaven and just as we set out to head home, it started to snow

2015-01-13T12:22:00.003-08:00

Prince Army - Rosie Gaines Needs You!

*** Updated - Direct Donation details below ***

I remember the first time I saw Prince live. It was the Diamonds & Pearls tour and one of the many striking things from that performance was the incredible performance of Rosie Gaines. She's an incredible talent with such a powerful voice and unique style that included an incredible synthesis of a horn section!

The Electronic Urban Report published details on the 10th January 2015 that Rosie has unfortuantely been suffering from medical problems resulting in large medical bills. On hearing the news Prince and Sheila E have already offered and provided some support - but we can show our love and help as well;

"*On Saturday, January 31, entertainers from the Bay Area in California and beyond will be uniting to help one of their own in a fundraiser for former Prince protégé Rosie Gaines.
Gaines’ daughter, Latoya Gaines, revealed in a press release that her mother has been suffering from diabetes in addition to other illnesses. In early December, the singer was admitted to a Bay Area hospital for a major infection of both her legs.
Gaines’ medical situation has motivated Sistuh to Sistuh (STS) founder and vocalist Brenda Vaughn to organize a tribute to Gaines. The event, hosted by comedienne/actress Luenell (“Raising Whitley,” “Real Husbands of Hollywood”) and KBLX radio personality Nikki Thomas will take place at Geoffrey’s Inner Circle, 410 14th Street, Oakland with doors opening at 8:00 p.m.

Confirmed performers include: singer-guitarist D’Wayne Wiggins (Tony! Toni! Toné!), guitarist Levi Seacer (NPG), guitarist Tony Dwayne, keyboardist Eugene Blacknell (Con Funk Shun and The Whispers), singer -guitarist Wilton Raab (Graham Central Station) and drummer Joey Truso. Vocalists slated to appear are Tiffany Austin, Rhonda Benin (Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir), Karen Brewington, Faye Carol, Melvin Carter, Darlene Coleman, Latoya Gaines, Nikita Germaine (Train), Eleanor Harvey, Lucille Hurd, Maxine Jones (En Vogue) Michelle Jordan, Tara Kemp, Amar Khalil (Tony! Toni! Toné!), Ladee Bianca, Ms. Monét (Boz Scaggs), Charlene Moore, Terrie Odabi, Otis Redding III, Sakai Smith (Train), Sangin’ Sara (Ledisi), Brenda Vaughn, and Robin Williams.
Other artists will be announced as the date of the benefit grows closer, according to the release."

Read more at http://www.eurweb.com/2015/01/entertainers-unite-for-fundraiser-to-help-former-prince-protege-rosie-gaines/#R119K0IvzTJCbiEx.99

How to Help?

There are a few ways you can get invloved

NEW

Make a Donation

You can now make a direct donation to Rosie Gaines - Please click the link below

Do Come 2 the Concert!

If you can get to the benefit concert in the Bay Area on the 31st January - do it! You'll even see Levi Seacer Jr. from the NPG amongst a host of great musicians. Details via the link above. You can also find more info via Brenda Vaughn, who is organising the Benefit Gig

https://www.facebook.com/brendavaughn

Do Buy The Single

Buying Rosie Gaines' solo single Closer Than Close is a great way to support Rosie

Here's the link for US

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/closer-than-close/id125371847?i=125371863

Here's the link for UK

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/closer-than-close/id125371847?i=125371863

And for the Android Army

https://play.google.com/store/music/artist/Rosie_Gaines?id=Ab7d7suvgxy7jxyywwcra63vtli&hl=en_GB

Or Amazon people

http://www.amazon.com/Closer-Than-Close/dp/B0012A4030/

Do Share The Love..

Let's show this talented musician, that brought us joy through her music some love and the power of the #PrinceArmy

Share details with your friends about how they can help using the hashtahe #Closer2Rosie

2014-11-23T11:55:00.003-08:00

enjoy

Life O' The Party Mix by On_The_One on Mixcloud

You Can Call it The Unexpected or U Can Call it Wow!

2014-10-18T03:52:00.000-07:00

Photo by Sara Savoy

So - a bit like Inception or Pulp Fiction or one of those films that goes out of sequence - I'm going to have to skip ahead a little bit in the story of my visit to Minneapolis, because something amazing just happened....

I just had the most incredible afternoon and evening for lots of reasons.. I was planning an easy day of relaxing and writing when I got an invite from Sara to join her on a trip to her sister's place and we would take in the spot where Take Me With You was filmed and try and find "the lake" where Prince convinced Apollonia to purify herself in the waters of Lake Minnetonka.

I drove up to Sara's place about midday where I was greeted by her enthusiastic dogs and I had a good old look through Sara's amazing vinyl collection while she got ready. We were a little on edge that something might happen that night but nothing had been announced so it was seeming less and less likely.

Photo by Sara Savoy

We headed out and drove into through proper Minnesotan countryside - the colours of the trees were just stunning - fiery, reds ambers and yellows, contrast against silver bark in places and rich evergreens. Passing farmland with livestock and cornfields. The place where Take Me With You isn't somewhere you'll find on a map. Sara can remember the road being closed off for filming while she was in school. We drove up this winding road and - you can just recognise the place! We stopped like mad people and took photos in the middle of the road - totally geeking out while Sara's passers by probably wondered what these nutters were up to.

Once we had driven around looking for "lake Minnetonka" and I had vowed to return here on a motorcycle, we head out to this big market store that sells candy, fruit, a massive range of sodas and the best homemade pies around. We then stopped by a very historic meat market in Nicolete. While we had been driving my phone had been playing up and I had been receiving one or two messages but I couldn't reply to them. Eventually I decided to switch my phone off and on again because it didn't seem quite right. When it came back on my phone started going crazy!! I looked at twitter and my notifications were through the roof. As I started to read through some of the messages I started to crack up laughing and Sara is like "Whaat?" I see a that someone has taken a really terrible picture of me from my Facebook and created a poster and a hashtag campaign #letmarcusintopaisleypark. Thank you so much everyone that got involved with this - it was really fun and heartwarming!

I met Sara's sister, nephews and their partners - all so friendly and welcoming. Its so nice to really see a place - by meeting a family in their home - thank you so much for that Sara & family!! I think it must've got to about 6pm so we started to head back. Talking to other friends we heard that there was a gathering at a friend's place as there wasn't anything planned for today. So we drove back to Sara's as her husband and daughter were staying in and we head out in two cars to go to another friend's place for a gathering. So we're driving about 20 minutes or something and then just as we're getting near the friends place I get a phone call - it's Sara - "Did you hear?" "NO!! What?" "Paisley Park is opening at 10pm - talk to you in a minute" - by now its about 9pm. We eventually get to the friend's place and I meet these wonderful people, wishing me happy birthday and they're all suddenly getting dressed up and I'm like I need to go and get changed!! I had just enough time to get back to my hotel. Get changed in 10 minutes and get back out to Paisley Park.

So now I'm dressed up and I'm driving into Paisley Park and parking my car. As I pull in I can see there are about nine cars in there and it looks like people are just sitting in their cars. I call Sara and ask if it is OK to park in here and she says its all fine. So i get out - no idea how this works so I start walking around and there's someone out of their car so I go up and talk to her and she's really cool and explains how her daughters are coming in with her tonight.

Photo by ontheone

Then the friends that I was with earlier turn up and after a little while we are all out chatting. I'm meeting people that I've seen online or been chatting to online and it feels like a big family get together. Then word goes around, its $20 to get in so we head over and I'm chatting to people like - is this really happening? Just a couple of hours ago it seemed like the last place that I would be!!

So we go in this door (not the one right at the front) and pay are $20 at the desk to get in. We pass right by the bike from Purple Rain - Well actually, I stopped to get a proper look at it We then go into this room that is setup with some really amazing velvet seats. Looking around you can see there's a stage setup in the centre front of the room with a little drum kit setup on the floor. Behind the stage is a massive screen showing Finding Nemo and there is also another screen up playing to too. There's the front of a car hanging up there (looks like the one from Sign 'O' The Times, and a motorcycle from Purple Rain up there beyond reach above one of the doors. You turn around and behind you there's a massive Prince symbol hanging up there and there's a DJ spinning Prince tunes and then there's a moment when it hits you and you look down and you realise that you are in the NPG Music Club Room (As that is what is written in the carpet on the floor).

We were dancing away to some amazing tunes including some Black Album cuts which was nice. At one point the dance floor started to kinda empty and people start heading towards the reception area. Hmmm I'm thinking as I walk over. The music from the DJ is still playing, but as I approach the reception area I can hear some other music seeping through the wall. I'm trying to work out - is this a record or live, it SOUNDS live - hmmm. As a few people have now come over to this area we are now asked to return to the NPG room, so I head back. As I get back into the centre of the room I recognise Trevor to my left and he has this Zen smile on his face and his arms out to the side. Behind him, these big doors on the left have swung open (see there's a door that you can walk through, where there used to be a wall) and we can hear some guitar screaming - I start walking but quickly start to run as the reality of what's happening starts to sink in!!

I was so not ready for what I was about to witness that when I first got into the room I saw Ida, Donna and Hannah on the stage in the opening bars of Lets Go Crazy (Reloaded) and then someone runs on the stage with a guitar wearing all white and a beanie and I didn't recognise for a split second. It was Prince, onstage at Paisley Park!! This is really happening!! The stage was setup with two keyboard setups, one on the left of the stage and one on the right with Donna to our left, Ida to our right and Hannah holding it down in the centre at the back. There was an enormous screen behind them displaying psychedelic style changing patterns as they played. When I go to see Prince I can very rarely remember what was played - my mind is to busy being blown by the experience. This time, I really wanted to try and remember as much as I could about how everything looked, sounded and felt - so I made a mental note of the first letter of each song. Haha - Sounds crazy I know!! The setlist cannot really explain what an incredible performance it was, but I'm finding that it serves as reminder for other special details that bring the memory to life.

This whole experience was part of the competition prize for Dorothy Anthony, who had won the Paisley Park Flyaway contest which was available to US Citizens that preordered the new albums Art Official Age and Plectrum Electrum from the Warner Brothers website. I couldn't think of a nicer person to have won the competition. Dorothy Anthony was cool. Seriously.

There were just under 40 of us in the room and the atmosphere was electric. Pretty much as soon as we came in Prince gave Dorothy a shout out, saying something like "This is Dorothy's party" and we all went crazy for her. How cool to have Prince shout her out like that. This happened a couple of times during the show - at one point Prince said "Are you happy Dorothy?". Very cool. I'm sure everybody felt the same - so happy for her.

During Let's Go Crazy Prince was calling out adjustments to the sound mix, and didn't seem to be getting it how he wanted. The band kept playing, as Prince came down from the stage and walked behind us to adjust the sound himself before running back on the stage and carrying on.

Next Prince launched into a blistering version of She's Always in my Hair, followed by the amazing reloaded version of I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man. Just SO good and sublime. Then we're into a high energy rendition of Guitar and the enthusiasm of these small crowd is infectious. Next up - one of my favourite 3rd Eye Girl live tracks - Plectrum Electrum. I love how this track always gets the crowd going - even people that haven't heard it before. It has such an incredible impact in the live setting and is probably the best track Prince has ever had to show off each of the members of the band in the context of a really great instrumental track, rather than the less interesting approach that some bands take of doing solos.

FIXURLIFEUP was a blast and it was fun moment when some of my new friends gave me a nod on the line "London you're sure to be toast" and then we head into the transcendental territory of Something in the Water (Reloaded). This was the first song that I heard Prince & 3rd Eye Girl play live this year, back in February at the soundcheck before the shows at the Electric Ballroom in Camden, London . It's one of my favourite songs that Prince does with this line up and this performance didn't disappoint.

Then something kinda special happened (within an incredible special event anyway!). Prince called over for Josh to come up, it seemed like he must've been behind us. Maybe he didn't hear - anyway, while Prince was waiting, he was on the keys and started playing the intro to Muse 2 the Pharaoh. It took a moment to sink in - OMG I would love to hear that live again!! Still playing it, and as Josh hadn't come up, Prince turned to Hannah and said "Hannah, where's your husband?" and Hannah laughed and called "Husband!!" - then audience members started calling Josh as well. He came up with his laptop and set himself up at then keyboard station to the left of the stage, while Prince was on the right. Josh pressed a button and we were hearing the opening sounds of Clouds!!!! It's always exciting to hear the new material live - so I loved this and so did everyone else. I'm guessing this is the first time this song was performed live in front of an audience. The sounds from the laptop were minimal with the Hannah, Ida & Donna playing on the track, Prince doing vocals and keys and Josh also on keys. All of us were singing along and then we took the lead when it came to the bit where Lianne La Havas' vocals are. What a treat - to hear a new song tried out live!

After this was another dose of fun with Pretzelbodylogic. Not one of my favourites but it is a fun live track and served as a palette cleanser before what was going to be a sublime close to the set.

Stratus has been a live favourite for quite a while now and often serves as a way to stretch out and try new things. In this case, Prince was doing some funky, glitchy, improvisation on keys while Ida, Donna and Hannah laid down the groove. Prince seemed to be challenging Josh to keep up as they were keeping in almost constant eye contact as they were both playing keys on this one. At one point Prince signalled Donna to take centre stage and she unleashed one of the most incredible performances I have seen from her. It was not just rhythmic or melodic playing - she was teasing incredible sounds out of the guitar in a similar way to what Pink Floyd did in Meddle - but completely her own style and completely in line with the groove of Stratus. Breathtaking stuff. As she was playing, Prince had the biggest grin on his face, like a proud teacher - that was really cool to see.

After Stratus, Ida started playing one of my favourite bass lines to hear live ... What's My Name. This show just seemed to be getting better and better and we all went crazy for this one. Prince improvised some new lyrics to this which I was so sure I would remember - but its a little hazy but it was something like this (in the style of I Wish U Heaven pt3):

Take this squirrel, I don't need it
I've got plenty others and they're so fine
I've got this girl, she's been around the world 2 times
James Bonds crazy, rewind!

Whaaaaaaat?? lol - so crazy and so brilliant - loved it!!

Then back with the funkiness for Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Again), which felt like a real celebration to all of us. It was a super funky performance and the choir was in full voice. Prince left the stage first, well moved to the back and then the band members slowly moved off stage during the jam, one by one. Prince had moved to the back and was playing some percussion that sounded like bongos - just sounded so wicked. Kinda reminiscent of moments from the The War, also one of my favourites.

As the show ended, the lights did not come up - so it was very dark. I was on cloud 9, as it began to soak in what had just happened. I'd seen Prince perform at Paisley Park. WOW! I caught up with Kathy and just tried to process it all and take in the scene. Kathy pointed out things around the room that I totally would've missed in my euphoric state! To the left of the stage there were ping pong and pool tables and you could see all the guitars racked up. Right at the back of the room behind the soundboard is a raise area with plush seating, similar to that in the NPG Room and on the tables there are some ornate table decorations that look like sculptures of flowers. We walked out into the lobby and Hannah was out there talking to a fan and I said Hi to Donna as she passed by.

It was such an incredible experience so Thank You Prince & 3rd Eye Girl for an amazing show and Dorothy for sharing your wonderful treat with us. Thank you Kathy, Sara and Jesse and everyone that shared in this experience. It was all the better for sharing it with you.

Setlist

Let's Go Crazy (Reloaded)
She's Always In My Hair
I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man (Reloaded)
Guitar
Plectrum Electrum
FIXURLIFEUP
Something In The Water (Does Not Compute) (Reloaded)

Muse 2 The Pharaoh (intro only)
Clouds (crowd singing female vox)
PRETZELBODYLOGIC
Stratus (including killer guitar improv - Donna)
What's My Name
Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Again)

My Paisley Journey

2014-10-16T17:45:00.001-07:00

Minneapolis from the sky

On my 9 hour flight to Minneapolis from London, I sat next to a lady who was born and raised in Minnesota. We got chatting about why we were travelling, she told me she had just been over to Ireland to visit family and it was a bitter sweet experience as her grandmother was quite old now. When I told her that I was making my journey in the hope of seeing Prince she laughed.

Lake Calhoun from the sky

A peer of Prince (she was around the same age) and a teacher in North Minneapolis most of her life, she had the view that Prince thought a lot of himself and mentioned the whole name changing thing and that he should do more for charity, especially to help the schools of North Minneapolis, which she was very passionate about and said need a lot of help. Her school had been doing really well in a deprived area and the school had been shutdown because the local council wanted the land to build new offices. We talked a lot about these issues and it was interesting to hear from her about the way that schools worked in Minneapolis, in particular in relation to balancing the racial mix and bussing kids in from different neighbourhoods - things that Prince has talked about in his lyrics before (e.g. Sacrifice of Victor).

After a bit we talked more about Prince and the more human aspects of Prince's life. Not that I know that much about that side, but I mentioned the fact that actually Prince has done quite a lot of charity work but doesn't make a big thing about it. I remember that he had done some work for a local hospital back in the 90s and he did a benefit gig in London not so long ago. I mentioned that Prince had focused on spirituality years ago and that his new records didn't contain any swearing. She was surprised and thought that was a good thing. I mentioned that he had 2 new albums out and she showed in an interest, so I played her Way Back Home. After listening to this she, said "wow, that's quite moving - I may have to give him another chance!"

We had a good laugh - particularly she with me as I read articles about Prince, watched Prince videos and wrote about Prince during the journey. She also taught me how to play Bejewled - which I may never recover from!

On arrival at the airport I picked up car - not quite a Little Red Corvette - more medium sized, red Volkswagen. I found out where the nearest AT&T store was so that I could go and get a SIM card to stay connected to friends and family at home and to the new friends that I had been in touch with in MPLS. The nearest store was in St Paul and I took a drive that was lined with the incredible colours of autumn trees, lining the banks of the Mississippi river.

As soon as I got connected, I had messages from some really wonderful local Prince fans, welcoming me to Minneapolis and plans to meet in the evening. There was a band playing in a local bar that would be doing Prince covers and ex-NPG members Sonny T and Michael B would also be there. I had just done a 9 hour flight and arrived at 5:30 in the afternoon - but this news was exciting and I was ready for a funky night!!

After a little while catching up with things at home I was going to head back to my hotel. I chose to stay 1/2 way between the Downtown area of Minneapolis and Paisley Park - so it was just a 15 minute drive from my hotel to The Park. I looked it up on my satnav and it was about a 20 minute drive from where I was in St Paul. After flying across the atlantic - I though why not do the extra 20 minutes - just to see Paisley Park before doing anything else. The sun was already setting when I headed out, so I thought that Paisley Park would probably be lit up. As you drive up to it on the freeway - you can see it right there. I was surprised to be able to see it from the freeway like that. It looked quite something all lit up.

As I parked up the car I pressed something - I don't know what it was, but it made my car alarm go off and I couldn't figure out how to switch it off!! I was pressing every button I could find to try and make it shut up. I had visions of security guards running over to find out what was going on. The last thing that I would want to do is cause any disruption or stress here - I've got nothing but respect for Prince and a love of is work. I was panicking! Luckily something that I pressed worked and I was able to get out and take a couple of photos outside. It was a clear and warm outside and it really does look stunning at night.

It felt quite surreal to finally be outside Paisley Park. It's funny isn't it how many Prince fans would like to come here or even entertain the thought. How many bands or artists have a place where their fans feel like they want to go and visit to see where the "magic happens".

I think it's down to those lyrics that Prince put out into the universe in the song Paisley Park. "Admission is easy just say you believe and come to this place in your heart, Paisley Park is in your heart".

This was just the start of what was going to be a very funky night and exciting adventure in Minneapolis. The best was yet to come...

These pictures were taken from *outside* Paisley Park - in case you were wondering!!

Hear the plane humming, back on the run!

2014-10-11T05:24:00.000-07:00

I'm setting out on what a lot of Prince fans might consider the journey of a lifetime. Certainly for me it's been a dream for a very long time. I remember hearing about the celebrations at Paisley Park many years ago, when Prince through the gates of The Park open to fans for days on end with a festival of gigs by Prince and artists that he'd worked with or admired. I wished I could've been there and looked back thinking - how did I miss that??

This year has been a great year to be a Prince fan in London. We've been treated to two tours - one in small venues with all of the excitement of last minute announcements and then a stadium tour. Two new albums and a glimpse of even more exciting music yet to come from NPG Quartet and other Prince and 3rd Eye Girl projects.

Its easy to let the idea of a trip like this stay a dream. I'm writing this as a kind of diary but also to share my experiences and maybe as you read this you might be moved to make your dream come true as well. For me, the moment is right - to make this journey even though in many ways it isn't! Sometimes you've just got to do it!

New Prince track U Know released

2014-09-01T07:05:00.003-07:00

Website "Spin" has posted the new Prince single U Know, from one of the two the forthcoming Prince albums. Both albums are due to drop on the 29th September.

The track is a slow burner, featuring a laid back rap and Prince's signature falsetto over some moody beats.

U Know is the second track previewed from the new albums following Clouds being previewed last week.

Listen to U Know here

Liston to Clouds here

Laura Mvula Owns the Royal Albert Hall with special guest Esperanza Spalding

2014-08-20T06:11:00.002-07:00

Laura Mvula has been gathering acclaim since her debut, nominated for an Ivor Novello, three BRIT awards and the Mercury Prize. If you don't know who she is, the chances are you already know a couple of her songs. Prince apparently was playing her record before going on stage during the Hit and Run shows earlier this year and he invited her to open up for him at the second night he did at the Birmingham LG Arena.

This show was part of the Late Night series of the BBC Proms, which are largely classical music with the late night slots picked up by "contemporary" artists doing something a bit different to fit in with the Proms. In this case, Laura teamed up with the Metrepole Orkest and composer Jules Buckley.

Laura's music already had orchestral leanings, being classically trained her first album uses real instruments but in a somewhat sparse arrangement. Laura has said that working with this 80 piece orchestra "brings these songs to their full potential". The sound of the orchestra swelling on these tracks was just incredible - and Laura was the picture of composure - with moments, incredible moments of abandon like on the traditional See-Line Woman which followed an incredible version of one of her best known songs, Green Garden.

It was a real treat as well to have a surprise guest, Esperanza Spalding - also someone that Prince has championed in recent years. Her vocals and playing were incredible and the chemistry between the two singers was something to behold.

Here's some video from the night. See the link below to listen to audio of the gig here if you are in the UK

Can't Live the World (with Esperanza Spalding) Cinammon Tree (with Esperanza Spalding)

Green Garden + See-Line Woman (traditional) - this is incredible!!

Encore - Human Nature + Make Me Lovely

Listen to audio of the full show here

Laura has released a studio version of her album performed with the Metropole Orkest which you can find here and here

2014-08-15T02:13:00.000-07:00

Video posted online of Prince's Dirty Mind tour performance at the Capitol Theatre, 1982

From Music Vault:

"New Full Concert Video: Watch Prince get nasty (both literally and figuratively) on his guitar in this outrageous performance from 1982.

Things get especially steamy at 27:00. Viewer Discretion Advised."

John Coltrane - get your Jazz on

2014-08-11T11:09:00.000-07:00

John Coltrane is often overlooked, but such an important figure in music generally. Here's a documentary about his life and music and also how he became a Saint!!

Favourite quote: Coltrane complained to Miles Davis about improvising and not knowing how to stop. Miles Davis "Try taking the m****** f***** outta your mouth"

First report on Supermoon recording session with NPJazz

2014-08-10T01:31:00.001-07:00

Prince is well known for his last-minute jams - but last night was really tight. I think at most about 4 hours notice of a mysterious SuperMoon jam at Paisley Park. Then 2 hours later the flyer above went out via @NPGOFFICIAL and @3RDEYEGIRL.

Looking at the list of musicians and after seeing the livestream just a couple of weeks ago of what this band can do - If there was a way to get there - I would've been there in a heartbeat. (Catchup with the session here)

Here is the first report that I could find online of what went down last night....

Report via Motherfunka @ Prince.org

"Tonight's event was held in the Love 4 One Another room. It started out with DJ, old school music. Then Marcus Anderson, John Blackwell, Andrew Gouche, and Xavier Taplin took the stage and played a jazz session. Prince was standing off to the left of the stage. They said it was all new songs that they had created the last 2 weeks. There were probably about 150 people there. After that set was over, the DJ started playing again. Marcus came back up to the stage and announced that they would be doing the set again and to act like you never heard the music before. 3RDEYEGIRL were walking around and Nik West was there. They took the stage again and this time Prince joined in and played some guitar and some killer guitar solos. He was dressed in all black. About half the people left after the first set, so there were only about 75 people left. This just stomped all over the show from a couple of weeks ago!!!"

Verdict: Sounds like a rare opportunity to witness Prince and a new and exciting group of musicians (NPJazz / New Power Jazz?) experimenting and trying out some new material - can't wait to hear it!!

Here's a sample uploaded by Nik West on Instagram

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Update: Video Report from Danny L'Amour

2014-08-01T03:06:00.000-07:00

Not so new #newmusic - Release it!!

Support Jai Paul's music here, here and https://twitter.com/jai_paul

Future Funk Mix by On_The_One on Mixcloud

Found Objects - Live Stream

2014-07-27T05:23:00.000-07:00

Last Night from Paisley Park

A short modern-day Prince related artists playlist. Prince hasn't had a hand in these but Damn! You can hear the influence!

2014-07-14T04:12:00.003-07:00

A short modern-day Prince related artists playlist. Prince hasn't had a hand in these but Damn! You can hear the influence!

All of these guys a re making fresh exciting music - check it out!

Checkout Harts here

Checkout Andre Cymone here

Checkout Nile Rodgers here

Listening Party at Paisley Park - Saturday Night

2014-07-13T04:50:00.002-07:00

Last night was the first of what appears to be 2 listening parties held at Paisley park this weekend. From the sounds of it there were at least 2 groups that were select by the girls in the group. They were led into Studio B, the same place that the last listening party took place.

Apparently there were 6 tracks played. Here is an incomplete list of the tracks played via @Baron3121

One of those tracks featuring Hannah on vocals may be the song "White Caps" which was previously described as a duet with Joshua Welton.

Its difficult to piece together exactly what went down from all the tweets that came out. Separating the true funk soldiers from the fantasists :P U know who U are ;) Thanks to @PrinceWatchUK for helping to filter. There were mentions of Lianne La Havas possibly being attendance. Update - confirmed by retweet by @3RDEYEGIRL. Below are some quotes of the most vivid descriptions of what went down last night.

Tracks have been described as Heavy, Rocky, Jazz-fusion and a few tracks with female vocals to shake thing up.

One attendant even mentioned that Prince called in to the studio to chat to them about it!!

Apparently the girls confirmed that we are waiting on Warner Brothers to confirm a release date - but that it will definitely be released - so all positive news in terms of us all getting to hear it. I'm excited for the fans that got to hear it so far and and while we don't have the music yet ourselves it is cool to hear some detail about the experiences of those that got to listen - Thanks to the funky people I quoted 4 sharing their experiences.

It seems like there may be another listening party tonight - not 100% sure on that - if there is, would it be the other album?

This report was written listening to Suites by the Donna Grantis Electric Band ;)

Read more about When is Plectrum Electrum?

*********************************************************************************Updates

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From @cmonty48

The listening process took about 1 hour for each group of 15 people. It was confirmed that the record has 13 songs and Prince called in to get feedback from fans. The sound of the songs was akin to FixUreLifeUp, but heavier. He described it as a different style that couldn't easily be compared to other stuff

Checkout Jester's fantastic video report here:

Second Video Report from Danny L'Amour

Something a little different - 90's 00's RnB & Hip Hop Mix

2014-07-12T10:24:00.001-07:00

I've always loved great music - all different sorts! Here's a mix that I put together quite a few years back. I guess at this point some might call it Old Skool - but that has a whole different meaning for me! You'll find some Mint Condition, Maxwell, Some Big Daddy Kane,and Zapp! - hope you enjoy it :) .

You're All I Need ontheone mix by On_The_One on Mixcloud

Mr Hudson at the 100 Club, London

2014-07-10T03:47:00.001-07:00

It's been a long time since I've seen Mr Hudson perform. I think maybe even back at the iTunes festival when Kanye West came out and joined him on the stage of the Roundhouse. A lot has happened since then, and when I heard that he was going to be playing at the 100 Club - I was surprised and pleased to be able to see him play such a small venue again.

I guess I've been a bit out of the loop on Mr H for a minute. Over the last 12 months or so, I'd heard a couple of new tracks Fred Astaire and Step into the Shadows - both very different. I was intrigued that Mr H was still making exciting and challenging music, wondering when an album would come out etc.

A big surprise to me and a really nice surprise was to see that Joy was playing with Mr H again. They're vocals go so well together - I just love that sound from the first album. The gig was incredible, hitting the old tunes in different ways, peppered throughout with new material and introducing new band members that add new sounds to Mr H's palette. New songs which include the sounds of Saxophone as well as some quite rocky guitar as well as the electronica and beats.

Here is the setlist from last night....

Looking forward to hearing what is coming next from this great pioneering UK artist.

Here are some videos from last night - enjoy!

Bread & Roses

A Tale of Two Cities

Step into the Shadows
Also very much worth mentioning were the support acts Matt Henry (incredible voice and interesting tracks written together with MrH "Under the Influence?") looking forward to checking his material out and G FrSH who was brought some South London hip hop to the proceedings.

You can find out more about Matt Henry here

http://www.pledgemusic.com/artists/matthenry

You can find out more about G FrSH here

http://www.gfrsh.com/site/

You can find more on Mr Hudson here

http://mrhudson.com/

Let's Dance

2014-07-06T00:23:00.001-07:00

2 Witness this....

The anticipation