In response to claims that the superstar singer/songwriter’s new Timeless compilation LP – including nine studio recordings and one live recording – contains instrumental “overdubs,” representatives for Prince’s estate have formally addressed the issue.
Following the collection’s release, a number of über fans questioned whether anything had been changed or edited within the song ‘Calabama,’ that was originally recorded in 2003.
On Friday (9.04,) a spokesperson for NPG Records and the Prince Management Team took to Instagram confirming instrumentals were added to the bridge of ‘Calabama,’ where the artist’s vocal calls out twice for “horns,” adding:
“Consistent with Prince’s songwriting and production approach on numerous previous recordings, a group of horn players were assembled to overdub Prince’s synthesizer track with the intended horn line, and this version was released on Timeless.” “All of Prince’s original recorded parts remain intact, with trombone, saxophone, and trumpet added by Greg Boyer, Adrian Crutchfield, and Lynn Grissett. These musicians had close ties to Prince and were credited on the album packaging, despite some claims to the contrary.”
Insisting that “no overdubs” were used on any other recording for Timeless and emphasizing that “no AI was used on any Prince music,” the statement concluded with:
“We understand not everyone will agree on every decision made regarding Prince music and business matters yet your passion, knowledge, and thoughtful questions are appreciated.” “While it is fair to ask probing questions and assert your sentiments and perspectives on matters related to Prince, it is best done with kindness and respect along with Prince’s well-known values of ‘Love For One Another.'”
Born Prince Rogers Nelson, the iconic musician passed away from an accidental fentanyl overdose in April of 2016. He was 57 years old.
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Author: Al Dente
Photo: Distributed by Warner Bros – Public Domain