Prince / The Crystal Ball Warehouse (2CDR)

[1987-01-14] Rehearsals | Washington Avenue Warehouse | Edina MN | USA

Disc 1:
01. Crystal Ball #1 incl. For Love (Instrumental) - Lines
02. U Got The Look
03. Rebirth Of The Flesh
04. Play In The Sunshine
05. Housequake
06. Starfish And Coffee
07. Slow Love

Disc 2:
01. It's Gonna Be A Beautiful Night #1 (Instrumental) incl. Superfunkycalifragisexy (Chant) - Mutiny - For The Love Of Money (Chant)
02. It's Gonna Be A Beautiful Night #2 (Slowed Down) incl. Planet Rock (Chant) - Superfunkycalifragisexy (Chant)
03. I'll Take You There
04. Tell Me What It Is incl. I Need A Man (Instrumental)
05.Hair
06. Guitar Improvisation incl. The Cross (Intro Chord)
07. Crystal Ball #2 incl. For Love (Instrumental) - Lines
08. Crystal Ball #3 incl. For Love (Instrumental) - Lines

Musicians:
Prince | Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards, Drums
Sheila E. | Drums, Vocals
Levi Seacer Jr. | Bass
Miko Weaver | Guitar
Dr. Fink | Keyboards
Boni Boyer | Keyboards, Vocals
Eric Leeds | Saxophone
Atlanta Bliss | Trumpet
Cat | Dance, Backing Vocals
Wally Safford | Backing Vocals, Dance
Greg Brooks | Backing Vocals, Dance

Soundboard Recording

In January 1987, with the Revolution having disbanded and the album "Sign O' The Times" nearing completion, Prince began rehearsals with his new band in a warehouse on Washington Avenue. This first-ever rehearsal recording is presented here as a superb soundboard recording. Since the album was still unfinished, it's surprising to hear that Prince was keeping the three-disc "Crystal Ball" in mind. And what's even more surprising is that it's a nearly complete live version!

"Crystal Ball"! This live version feels solid and gorgeous, with more vivid effects than the studio version.

"U Got The Look" features a significantly different horn phrasing, giving it the feel of an early live arrangement. The horns in the middle section are particularly interesting, with a completely different sound.

"Rebrith Of The Flesh" is also a live version that's been elevated, if not even upgraded, with a new, funky arrangement. The crisp cutting sounds in particular are incredibly cool.

"Play In The Sunshine" is a performance of sheer seriousness, with subtly different horn phrases that give it a feel of their early days. The solid flow and slightly relaxed groove of the heavyweight "Housequake" also evoke a certain early vibe.

And then there's the jaw-dropping live version of "Starfish & Coffee"! The idyllic quality of Eric and the others' horns is irresistible. It's an incredible version that will have you in tears, with parts where Prince slightly changes the melody.

"Slow Love" is an ultra-long 15-minute performance, and the slow jazz in the second half is especially cool! I've never heard anything like it, even at an after-show!

The quirky yet incredibly funky jam of "It's Gonna Be A Beautiful Night" mixes together the chorus from "Superfunkycalifragisexy," phrases from "Mutiny" and "America," samples of barking dogs, and innovative guitar chops—it's fantastic.

"I'll Take You There" is also a very gospel-inspired performance, with everyone except Bonnie Boyer on vocals. The second half is a masterpiece, featuring Prince's ambient guitar and electric vibes, creating a psychedelic feel.

Next comes Graham Central Station's short but intensely funk jam of "Tell Me What It Is." "Hair" then unfolds with a solid yet groovy feel. Cool keyboards, rather than horns, take center stage, creating a truly poignant performance. The second half takes a different funk turn, where Prince summons the horns and plays a never-before-heard riff, evolving into earthy jazz-funk and creating an unpredictable jam. The mix of playful and serious, with the guitar timbre emanating from a quiet backing track, is professional and never feels sloppy.

Then there's a live version of "Crystal Ball," another wonderful performance, as if they're testing the blend of the horn phrases from Jill Jones's "For Love." Then "Crystal Ball" is played again, but fades out midway through. The fact that they were experimenting with a live version of "Crystal Ball" on this recording is simply mind-blowing, and I find myself listening to it over and over again. It's the best rehearsal of 25 years.

About the band members:

The only longtime member of the group was keyboardist Dr. Fink, who took over many of Lisa Coleman's keyboard parts when she left. Prince also retained guitarist Miko Weaver, horn members Eric Leeds and Atlanta Bliss, and backup singers/dancers Greg Brooks and Wally Safford.

Sheila E. joined as drummer, bringing along two members from her '86 touring band: bassist Levi Cesa, Jr., and Sheila's childhood friend, keyboardist Bonita "Boni" Boyer from Oakland. Bonni was hired more for her vocal talent than her keyboard skills.

Levi began playing guitar in a small gospel church in Richmond, California. He met Sheila E. as a teenager, and the two played Latin rock and jazz-rock fusion in Bay Area clubs. Sheila went on to perform with Marvin Gaye and Lionel Richie before teaming up with Prince. After the Purple Rain tour, Levi replaced Miko Weaver as guitarist in Sheila's band.
Kathy Glover, known as "Cat," was hired as a choreographer and dancer. A Chicago native, she worked as a club dancer in the city for several years, where she was first discovered by Steve Fargnoli. After moving to Los Angeles in 1984, her first big break came when she appeared on the television talent show Star Search as part of the duo "Pat & Cash." Steve Fargnoli introduced her to Prince, and the two met several times, including at the Los Angeles club Tramps.