Prince Live in Las Vegas - Page 2

Wildside · #21 01-17-2004, 12:03 PM

john blackwell jr is an amazing drummer and showman

gfab333 · #22 02-29-2004, 02:56 AM

I just discovered this one at Circuit City for $17.00! This is a must have DVD for all fans of funk and "the groove". First off, I must say that I'm not a Prince fan. However, I've heard that Rhonda Smith is a hot bassist. So, I figured that I'd check ths DVD out.

In short, Rhonda and the drummer lay down some nice grooves as well as some hot funk. The tone of here Fender Jazz with maple neck comes through the mix real nice, especially when she's slapping and popping. The other musicians are great soloists, and the overall flavor of the performance has more funk, R & B, and a bit of jazz, than I would have expected from Prince. I expected a lot of "1999" / "Rasberry Beret" kind of material. The instrumental jams that go on behind the solos are real cool and groovin'. It's a great plus to have Shelia E. and Maceo Parker in the performance as well.

JimK · #23 02-29-2004, 01:48 PM

I watched this DVD again last month ago...early on, there's a quick still of Smith's bass neck-
It sez ESP.

I also picked up the 3-cd box One Night...Alone.
Same band as the Las Vegas show; Larry Graham also guests. All in all, almost as enjoyable as seeing the show.

Prince is supposed to be gearing up for a tour, doing the 'older' material. He has his act together...

gfab333 · #24 02-29-2004, 02:43 PM

Jim K,

I noticed that still pic of the ESP too, but it has white block inlays and Rhonda's Jazz has black block inlays. The close up video of Rhonda is not very clear, so it's hard to see the details of the headstock.

According to her interview with Fender, she's playing a '75 Fender Jazz on that video; I guess that would be the black one. I think I saw the ESP in Prince's guitar rack elsewhere in the video.

http://www.bassstreet.com/features/rhonda_smith.html

JimK · #25 02-29-2004, 02:53 PM

You know-
In the 3-cd set box's booklet, it's a Fender!

jerry · #26 03-01-2004, 01:12 PM

Lakland endoree

Rhonda Smith played the same Fender JV when she played here in December. I think the ESP in the DVD is one of Prince's basses, or maybe just a backup. At the begining of the DVD the show Prince playing a ESP.

gfab333 · #27 03-01-2004, 10:01 PM

I really like that tune called "the Work"! I wonder if anybody in my band would like to sing it. I'd sure have a lot of fun with that bass line.

bill spangler · #28 03-02-2004, 08:23 AM

John Blackwell is a local Columbia, SC guy, a graduate of Keenan HS and an alumni of Mr Willie Lyles' marching 100. I've played with him on several occasions during local jam nites and when he has sat in for local jazz gigs on which I was on. He is excellent.

IAMERICCOCHRANE · #29 03-02-2004, 08:24 AM

Does he smash a Warwick? If so it would pain me to watch it.

hands5 · #30 03-11-2004, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DWBass

Is Rhonda Smith still endorsing Laklands?

I believe she still is

Funkee1 · #31 03-11-2004, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KONG

What Prince albums would you recommend getting? the clips of each album I heard sound very different but I really dig the song "Let's work"

Purple Rain
Sign o' the times
Diamonds and Pearls
Prince
The Black Album
Emancipation

gfab333 · #32 03-13-2004, 03:51 AM

I've spent more time watching this over the past week. I noticed that Rhonda stomps on a pedal board every once in awhile. There's a close up shot on one song where she steps on a pedal that seems to engage a synth patch or an overdrive for short riffs in one song.

Any one know what she's using?