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One-Off Performance

Fine Line Cafe, Minneapolis

5th December 1987

*Review*

This is a very frustrating release indeed and I’ll say right now that, in more capable hands, this really could have been something special. Fundamentally, it’s a better sourced version of a much cherished show and yes, it is clearer and richer (but not much brighter) than even 4DaFunk’s re-touched version from some time ago. The problem here is with its delivery and the faults that lie within are more than enough to spoil it for me. For a start the hiss from the tape has been left in amidst claims (in the liner notes) that they didn’t want to ruin the sound but I disagree entirely as this could have be achieved easily without causing any artefacts to the recording.....if you know what you’re doing. This has a huge affect on the overall listening experience and I must say, in this day and age, is not what you want to hear nor, for that matter, expect to hear.

We’re also told that Just My Imagination is longer and while that’s debatable due to the fade-outs, in actual fact that odd, quiet section you’re listening to is Villanova Junction which has been left off the track listing altogether as has It’s Gonna Be A Beautiful Night which is on here, by the way. We’re also treated to cuts or ‘jumps’ between tracks which grates me no end. I may be sounding overly harsh here but this release frustrates me as a nothing more than a wasted opportunity. Despite the better quality, I would choose 4DF’s over this one anytime for the simple reason that, sometimes, it’s not always about the sound quality.

I doubt there’s many collectors left who won’t have heard this performance and it has always been a personal favourite of mine. Coming from an era where Prince really was at the top of his game, it’s a superb showcase of his raw, live talent. It’s comes across as a relaxed, laid back, almost Blues like affair with some fantastic renditions such as a very lengthy Eleven and a great jazzy version of Jack U Off. Interjected with some instrumental jams and a bit of improv from the band throughout it really is an enjoyable listen and one I’ve gone back to many times.

Having a chance to own this recording in better quality had me very excited to begin with but the overall execution here has really left a dark cloud over what could have...no should have been a fantastic release. Shame.

2 CDR

Label: Fan Release

Cat No:  N/A

Running Time: 51:30 / 41:17

Source: Audience Recording

Quality: VG+

Released: February 2010

1. Instrumental Jam   2. Eleven   3. Just My Imagination (incl. Villanova Junction)   4. Instrumental Jam  5. Freddie Freeloader   6. Jack U Off   7. Chain Of Fools (incl. It’s Gonna Be A Beautiful Night)