By – “The Ricker”

January 21,1987 the first jazz album I ever bought, an album titled “8″ was released on Paisely Park Records by an entity known as “Madhouse” . No musicians were credited on the sleeve, which only contained a young woman (Mancea Lightner) and her puppy. Although it was never acknowledged at the time it has since been confirmed that “Madhouse” was in fact another Prince side project. Madhouse provided Prince with an outlet for some of his jazz-oriented funk music. The project also served as a showcase for talented saxophone player Eric Leeds and model Maneca Lightner. (more…)

I’ve made this true life confession on this blog several times, but I would be remiss if I did not send a special shout out to Eric Leeds for helping me to actually be cool in those very awkward teenage years. I played Baritone Saxophone for the majority of my time in High School and because of its size I would dare say it may not have been the hippest case to carry around. Then of course the accompanying questions “What’s that big thing?” Blah, blah, blah…

Anywhoo in the Summer of ’86 I got my revenge somewhat, when lo and behold what did I spy on BET? Oh yeah a guy playing the hell out of a Bari Sax with Prince. Then the conversation changed when I went back to school in the Fall “Hey don’t you play that thing that the guy plays with Prince?”. I sure do. Thanks Eric Leeds for helping an awkward teen not be so awkward and for your fantastic gift of musical goodness. Oh yeah shoutout to Prince too! Enjoy this live clip (while you can)(P.S. especially beginning at the 2:42 mark) with “Life Can Be So Nice” as an added bonus.

“Diamonds And Pearls” was a #1 R&B hit for Prince and the New Power Generation. It’s the title track for the album Diamonds And Pearls and features the vocals of Rosie Gaines.

Starting your week off with this classic from America. Released in October 1972 it made its way to #8 on The Billboard Charts. The far-reaching influence of this song is undeniable: it has been said that the lyric “purple rain” was inspirational for some artist out of Minneapolis who later went to write a song and movie.

In recent memory, The song’s opening guitar riff and musical hook were sampled used throughout Janet Jackson’s 2001 song “Someone to Call My Lover” by the multi-Grammy Award winning production team of Jimmy “Jam” Harris and Terry Lewis (Flyte Tyme) who were influenced by America and “Ventura Highway” listening to KDWB 63 AM (Top 40) growing up in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Bunnell said the use of the sample from Ventura Highway and the production by Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis and Janet Jackson boosted sales for America.[7]

Friend to GFM PC Muñoz has just released a “mega-collab” track featuring all kinds of guest instrumentalists, including Dale Chung, percussionist from Con Funk Shun. Various musicians sent PC tracks to go with the drum track, and he edited it into a sound collage of sorts The track is very, very funky and it really is a soundscape in the truest since of the word: aural art. Check out the track and the credits below and make sure to hit that download button and tell a friend.

Also, be on the lookout for PC’s cover of Prince’s “Sign ‘o the Times” feat. Dr. Fink it will be released very soon as part of a Prince Tribute Record coordinated by Dr. Fink.

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Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are the epitome of musical brilliance and can be easily likened to a modern day Gamble & Huff. While “The Sound of Philadelphia Soul”, TSOP, was known for their string and bass arrangements, the Minneapolis Sound was further cultivated through a more pop, rock and faster paced funk. Working under the influence of artists like Cornbread Harris, Sly & The Family Stone, Parliament-Funkadelic, James Brown and many others, the duo formed the group Flyte Tyme with band mates Jellybean Johnson and Monte Moir but was later incorporated into the group, The Time led by Morris Day. During this early formulation, Prince was very instrumental in the songwriting and production of the group’s sound. While their songs and stage appeal gave them great success, it did not last long due to growing creative tension and their restriction to write material for their own album or the album of other artists. Despite certain limitations, Jam & Lewis took the gamble in writing for the musical group,  The “Sound of Success” Band or better known as the SOS Band with the incredible hit Just Be Good To Me.  At the boiling point of the relationship and unfortunately missing a show due to a blizzard in Atlanta where they were recording, the duo was fired by Prince due to their outside production. For some this may have been the end, but for Jam & Lewis it was only the beginning. With the success of Just Be Good To Me reaching #2 on the R&B charts, it opened the windows of opportunity for their musical career. For a span of almost 30 years, Jam & Lewis have worked with legendary artists like Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Barry White, Alexander O’Neal, Chaka Khan, Klymaxx, Cherrelle, George Michael, Yolanda Adams, Usher and New Edition just to name a few. Not to mention winning countless Grammys including Producers of the Year, beating producers David Foster and Paul Simon, Jam & Lewis have made an undeniable mark in music as songwriters, producers, record execs and musicians.

From a personal perspective, these men have been by musical icons from my earliest knowledge of music. I’ve always admired from afar their honest approach to music. As a former band geek, I’ve been in awe of  their song arrangements and how they could tailor fit a song appropriately  for the lines and curves of an artist. In today’s mainstream perspective to music,  “branded” in the narcissistic view of  music production, Jam & Lewis bring something rich and timeless to their songs. Through their musical outlook, you truly hear the tones and melody of an artist life.

Here is The Original 7ven’s Jam & Lewis with Video Soul’s Donnie Simpson as they give the rundown of their angle to mixing with Morris Day’s song, Fishnet. And if you missed it, be sure to catch the exclusive GFM interview with Jimmy Jam. (more…)

Known for his  narcissistic persona , Morris Day is notorious for being the primping playboy with the egotistical mantra of his own greatness. In being this flamboyant gigolo with the chili sauce, he is the man every woman wants and every man hopes to be. But in addition to his larger than life role as the front man of The Original 7ven, he’s also a drummer in his own right. Playing percussions with Prince’s early band, Grand Central and later creating the song Partyup, placed on Prince’s Dirty Mind album, Morris later created The Time where he played drums and co-produced some of the albums while unexpectedly becoming the lead vocalist in its early formation. Initially uncomfortable in being the lead, he later eased into it like a nice pair of Stacy Adams. While we’ll play Fishnet from his solo album, Daydreaming,  we’ll also check out the comical track, Tricky. This cut was a non album track showing the comical banter between him and Prince along with Morris’ skills on the drums.

To find out his musical influences and the drummer he said “couldn’t f**k with him” on their best day :) , you gotta pick up the Condensate album from Best Buy for the DVD bonus! It’s a must for any Original 7ven fan! Yaayeesss!!! (more…)

Now I’ve heard the New Boyz “You’re A Jerk” but nobody can make being a jerk so “condensatingly cool” at the same time like Mr. Morris E. Day. This 1981 song originally intended for the What Time It Is? album, just carries that fun feeling you know you’re always gonna get from The Original 7ven (formerly The Time).