Scotland's pop, jazz and soul duo Hue and Cry talk about the inspiration of 'The Teacher' Prince. We also discuss the 1980s and masterpieces such as Parade and Sign 'O' The Times. Essential listening.
INTROWith pianist Greg Kane1min - "Prince is the teacher", and why the 1980s needs more respect. Funk as social commentary.3min - Covering Sign 'O' The Times, audiophiles, working with jazz musicians and having no fear.5mins30s - Seeing Prince after hours at the Garage in Glasgow.7mins - Near misses with Wendy and Lisa, Bobby McFerrin and Paisley Park.With vocalist Pat Kane10mins - Musical background, jazz heritage, hearing Prince for the first time and the ambition of 1999.13mins30s - the 80s as the era of 'half-punk, half synthesizer'. 15mins - the influence of 1986 album Parade on the band, and its 'majestic landscapes'.17mins - The Family album, Prince's side projects and Eric Leeds ('the best funk saxophonist ever').18mins45s - Sign O The Times: 'his sense of taste, and his choices are incredible'. Prince's phrasing and genius.23mins - Horn riffs and discord in Prince's music, Alphabet street and arrangements in jazz, pop and soul.26mins - the musical work and career of Clare Fischer and Rufusized by Chaka Khan.28mins30s - Prince's solo piano and microphone work, Pat's favourite eras of Prince and reflection on his late career. 32mins30s - Acoustic album The Truth and solo piano album One Nite Alone.33mins30s - Money Don't Matter 2Nite and Diamonds & Pearls (big band version on Bandzilla).35mins - Music as protest, social commentary and rebellion in Prince's music.36mins30s - Prince as the 'link' in African American roots music.37mins30s - Gett Off: "Jazz is the preacher, but funk is the teacher" and the Pharaoh Saunders mode.38mins - Funk like an elephants foot, George Clinton and musical theories.39mins - Creating a zone of freedom for black artists, and The Work.41mins30s - Creating tracks and new songs forming organically at jam sessions.43mins - Memories of musical celebrations at Paisley Park with Prince.45mins - Hoping to work with Quincy Jones at the height of their fame in the 1980s (and recording at Paisley Park).47mins - Jamming with Stevie Wonder and D'Angelo.49mins - Pat asks a Prince fan for thoughts on his untimely death.56mins - Funk revivals, snap bass and Pop Life.58mins - A Prince cover the band are ashamed of! And 80s nights at Butlins.60mins - What question would Pat ask Prince if he were still alive today?
How Can U Just Leave Me Standing? In Search of Prince... is produced and arranged by Sam J. Bleazard - but couldn't exist without the fabulous contribution from all of our guests!The show also features significant original music compositions from Gavin Calder.LINKSPlease follow me on Instagram and Facebook if you'd like to interact with the show on social media.Email me at: [email protected] if you have any ideas for future episodes, or if you'd like to share any feedback on the show. #prince4ever #love4oneanother