A Capitol Fourth

Watching the PBS Capitol Fourth special last night was a real treat in many ways. I especially enjoyed the National Symphony Orchestra, the Marine Drum and Bugle Corp, and the US Army Ceremonial Band because they were living proof that good music transcends genre.

The groove of these bands were just as wide and fat as the best Motown funk, and it was a real pleasure to listen to the extremely tight and in-tune string and horn sections. Anyone who's ever done a session with a weak horn or string section knows the pain involved, so hearing some fabulous players, directors and arrangements really makes you appreciate what you're listening to.

If only the rest of the US government worked as well as their bands and orchestras.

Here's an example of the excellent horns at about :35.

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Prince And Tavis Smiley

While respecting his music and musicianship, I've always thought Prince to be both pompous and arrogant, so I almost didn't watch when the great Tavis Smiley interviewed the Purple One on his PBS talk show last night.

I don't know what made me give this a chance, but I'm glad I did. Prince turned out to be a lot more normal and down-to-earth than I ever thought he could be and I actually enjoyed the interview a great deal (I must admit that I enjoy most interviews that Tavis conducts though).

Perhaps my attitude comes from my only live encounter with Prince at Hollywood's famous Sunset Sound studios (where so many huge hits were cut in the last 40 years) in the mid-80's. I was recording in Studio A while Prince was camped out in Studio C. Sunset Sound has a nice enclosed basketball court, and during a break I noticed Prince out there shooting baskets by himself. I decided I go challenge him to a game, or at least shoot some hoops with him, when out of nowhere, a huge bodyguard jumped in the way just as I hit the court's entrance. "Prince don't want no company," he stated with a conviction that let me know there was no way I was getting in there, so I backed away and went back to work.

Anyway, I have a way different view of the guy now, thanks to Mr. Smiley. Here's a short 2 minute portion of the show to judge for yourself.