Toronto guitarist Donna Grantis new guitarist for Prince

Prince is handily the most vociferous enforcer of his own copyright as well as a pioneer of developing new (and at times) excruciating techniques for exacting tithes from his loyal followers.  His recent release post-Grammys of a new video Screwdriver  drew buzz and matching snickers at the $1.77 price tag charged to view the new video.  Prince appeared with his new all-female ensemble, apparently called 3rd Eye Girl, on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon (3/1/13) performing Screwdriver and even let Grantis take the solo.

Toronto native Donna Grantis studied jazz at Montreal's McGill university before embarking on a formidable career as a session musician.  Her own personal aesthetic in her previous ensembles such as The Donna Grantis Electric Band (a psychedelic fusion trio with drummer Roger Travassos and bassist Steve Zsirai, the group’s debut album, titled Suites, is available worldwide through iTunes and donnagrantis.com) has leaned towards an open improvisational spirit:

“creating music in the moment, reacting to each other on stage, exploring musical themes for extended lengths of time, and utilizing effects pedals to broaden the tonal pallet of the music. The creative intention is to be free and continuously challenge each other on stage. Hopefully in doing so, we can create an experience for listeners and take the audience on a musically engaging journey.”

She lists her inspirations ranging from Bill Frisell to Billy Cobham, Jeff Beck to Jimi Hendrix.  Given her visual appeal and rock solid chops she's an obvious match to come on board the New New Power Generation.

Prince Montreal Metropolis Setlist

TMBPRN (The Man Born Prince Rogers Nelson) barnstormed the Montreal International Jazz Festival for two nights at Metropolis in front of beyond rapt audiences of 2000.  Having supposedly "hung up" the bulk of his populist repertoire on his last major stadium tour Prince and the New Power Generation, the Artist nonetheless unerred crowd pleasers ranging from Let's Go Crazy, 1999, Little Red Corvette, Raspberry Beret, Kiss and the eponymous Purple Rain.  For the more diehard fans in the mix (see all) Prince thankfully delivered (particularly during the second 4 hr. night) renditions of relative rarities like the singular Pop Life and D.M.S.R. (Dance Music Sex Romance), to say nothing of the covers ranging from Tommy James and the Shondells, James Brown, Sly and The Family Stone, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, Michael Jackson and Motley Crue.


Prince and the NPG, Metropolis, Montreal - June 24

When I Lay My Hands On U
Crimson And Clover (Wild Thing and Foxy Lady teases)
Waiting In Vain (Andy Allo vocals)
Peach
Controversy
Pass The Peas (with Maceo Parker)
Everyday People
Let's Go Crazy/Delirious
1999
Little Red Corvette
Musicology (incl. Tighten Up interpolation)
Play That Funky Music
Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) (with Maceo Parker)
Purple Rain (Guitar and Piano only)
Raspberry Beret
Cream (incl. For Love interpolation)
Cool (incl. Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough interpolation)

Prince and the NPG, Metropolis, Montreal June 25

Love We Make

D.M.S.R.
Pop Life
NPG jazz interlude
Musicology (with Tighten Up, and bass solo finishing with America tease).
(Song from Olivia Warfield or Shelby Johnson)
Misty Blue (Shelby Johnson)
Controversy
Freak Out
Which Way Is Up Shelby
Play That Funky Music
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Take Me With You
Need Another Lover
Dr Feelgood (guitar solo)
Shhhhh
Nothing compares 2 U
Joy In Repetition
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Pass The Peas
What Have You Done For Me Lately
Partyman
It Ain't Over
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The Bird
Jungle Love
I Like Funky Music
Love Bizarre
Kiss
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Purple Rain


New Power Generation:

Maceo Parker - Saxophone
Andy Allo - Guitar/ Vocals
Ida Neilson - Bass
John Blackwell - Drums
Morris Hayes - Keyboards
Cassandra O'Neill - Keyboards
Olivia Warfield - Vocals
Shelby Johnson -  Vocals