This Thing Called Life Prince | June 8, 2017

This Thing Called Life - The Prince Tribute

THIS THING CALLED LIFE

PRINCE TRIBUTE SHOW WITH CORE MEMBER OF THE NPG AND GUESTS

VENUE: FINE LINE MUSIC CAFE

JUNE 8, 2017 (NIGHT 1 OF 3)

All content by: Patrick Dunn

We've been blessed with quite a few Prince tributes over the past year and this weekends "This Thing Called Life" ranks among the best. With core NPG musicians leading the charge, these Prince songs we cherish sounded exactly as the man himself instructed them to deliver so many times before. Take a glance at the set list for night one and you will not be surprised to hear that it was a sensational couple hours of pure hits, many with extended jams and featured artists. Drummer, Michael Bland assured fans the next 2-nights would each be a little different for those die hards planning to attend them all.

Singer, Julius Collins conquered the unenviable task of delivering authentic vocals for these well known melodies we expect to sound as Prince recorded them. I was particularly impressed with his efforts on Purple Rain, which I feel few have managed to do justice to the original. His comments confirmed just how special this particular tribute effort was, saying it could very well be the last time they get to play this music together as an ensemble.

The special guests also added a great deal to the shows content: Dave Pirner was a rock star on what I felt were perfect song selections for him, Jamecia Bennett was a force on tunes with a strong female vocal presence and The Horn Heads were Funk ambassadors and a vital part of what was a huge, full sound. Props also must be given to DJ Phat whose mix was on point and established the right energy for the event.

It's been fun to experience a renewed interest in the Minneapolis sound and I hope there will be many more opportunities to enjoy this great music performed live.

Set List:

Get Wild (Extended Jam)

Morning Paper

I Will Die 4 U (Extended Jam)

1999

Damn You

Diamonds & Pearls (featuring Jamecia Bennett)

Little Red Corvette (Extended Jam)

Strange Relationship

Pop Life

Uptown (Featuring The Hornheads)

(Intermission)