Band: New Power Generation: Difference between revisions

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|previous bio              = [[NPG Orchestra]]
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|next bio                  = [[Cassandra O'Neal]]
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<!-- BIOGRAPHY -->
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|introduction              ='''The New Power Generation''' is a band assembled by Prince in late 1990 in order to back him up during his live appearances.  
|introduction              ='''The New Power Generation''', frequently abbreviated to The NPG, is the name given to the band (of a variety of line ups) assembled by Prince in late 1990 and onward, to back him up during his live appearances.  


After disbanding [[The Revolution]], [[Prince]] had been using a live backing band on tours from 1987 to 1990 that did not have a name as such. Following the 1990 [[Nude Tour]], [[Prince]] first started referring to his band as "The New Power Generation", a term first used in the song [[file:Eye88.png‎|15px|link=Eye No]][[Eye No| No]].  
After disbanding [[The Revolution]], [[Prince]] had been using a live backing band on tours from 1987 to 1990 that did not have a name as such. Following the 1990 [[Nude Tour]], [[Prince]] first started referring to his band as "The New Power Generation", a term first used in the song [[file:Eye88.png‎|15px|link=Eye No]][[Eye No| No]]. The abbreviation, NPG, was also featured on the back of at least one of the band member’s wardrobe during the 1988 [[Lovesexy Tour|Lovesexy Tour]].


On the 1990 soundtrack album [[Album: Graffiti Bridge|Graffiti Bridge]] there is also a song dubbed [[New Power Generation]], but at the time it is not attributed to [[Prince]]'s backing band per se. Like he did with [[The Revolution]] previously, [[Prince]] coupled his name with "The New Power Generation" on his two next albums.
On the 1990 soundtrack album [[Album: Graffiti Bridge|Graffiti Bridge]] there is also a song dubbed [[New Power Generation]], but at the time it was not attributed to [[Prince]]’s backing band per se. As he done with [[The Revolution]] previously, [[Prince]] coupled his name with "The New Power Generation" on his next two albums.


<br>
<br>
'''The 90's'''
'''The 90’s'''


During the early nineties the band evolved from a backing band to an entity of its own, for which [[Prince]] composed material and produced a number of albums, like he had done for [[The Time]] previously. Members were encouraged to actively participate in the music creation process, for [[Prince]]'s album as well as "The New  Power Generation (shortened to '''The NPG''') albums projects and other [[Prince]]'s productions for protégé(e)s or related artists.
During the early nineties the band evolved from a backing band to an entity of its own, for which [[Prince]] composed material and produced a number of albums, like he had done for [[The Time]] previously. Members were encouraged to actively participate in the music creation process, for [[Prince]]’s album as well as "The New  Power Generation (shortened to '''The NPG''') albums projects and other [[Prince]]’s productions for protégé(e)s or related artists.


In 1996, [[Prince]] disbanded "The NPG" and all its members were taken of the retainer. He then began to form a new band, keeping only the "NPG" moniker. Although not being as prominent as in the former "NPG" concept, the band members kept an influential role during studio sessions and live performances. The third "NPG" album, [[Album: Newpower Soul|Newpower Soul]], reflected these changes: [[Prince]] was now openly a member of the band, and its lead singer.
In 1996, [[Prince]] disbanded "The NPG" and all its members were taken off the retainer. He then began to form a new band, keeping only the "NPG" moniker. Although not being as prominent as in the former "NPG" concept, the band members kept an influential role during studio sessions and live performances. The third "NPG" album, [[Album: Newpower Soul|Newpower Soul]], reflected these changes: [[Prince]] was now openly a member of the band, and its lead singer.


<br>
<br>
'''The 00's'''
'''The 00’s'''


The first half of the new millennium saw "The NPG" line-up evolve almost every year. The band released two singles in 2001, but after that no other studio project stamped "The NPG" surfaced. Meanwhile [[Prince]] kept giving each member space to express their own skills on stage.
The first half of the new millennium saw "The NPG" line-up evolve almost every year. The band released two singles in 2001, but after that no other studio project stamped "The NPG" surfaced. Meanwhile [[Prince]] kept giving each member space to express their own skills on stage.


After disbanding "The NPG" once more, following the [[Musicology_Live_2004ever|Musicology Tour]], [[Prince]] assembled a new band in order to back up his new protégée, [[Támar Davis]]. When he went back to touring as a main act, [[Prince]] retained the [[Támar Davis]] band musicians to form his own backing band. Nevertheless the autonomy and part of creativity that [[Prince]] allowed "The NPG" in the nineties were less prominent: The band seemed to have been delegated to serve merely as a backing band for live shows. It should be notated that between 2004 and 2012 the band wasn't usually referred to as The NPG on tickets or when advertising shows.
After disbanding "The NPG" once more, following the [[Musicology_Live_2004ever|Musicology Tour]], [[Prince]] assembled a new band in order to back up his new protégée, [[Támar Davis]]. When he went back to touring as a main act, [[Prince]] retained the [[Támar Davis]] band musicians to form his own backing band. Nevertheless the autonomy and part of creativity that [[Prince]] allowed "The NPG" in the nineties were less prominent: The band seemed to have been relegated to serve merely as a backing band for live shows. It should be noted that between 2004 and 2012 the band wasn’t usually referred to as The NPG on tickets or when advertising shows.


<br>
<br>
'''The 10's'''
'''The 10’s'''


The numerous changes in the band over the last few years reflect [[Prince]]'s needs on stage, more than what the band would need as members when they would be their own entity. In contrast with earlier line ups, [[Prince]] does not exclusively work in studio with its members.
The numerous changes in the band over the last few years reflected [[Prince]]’s needs on stage, more than what the band would need as members when they would be their own entity. In contrast with earlier line ups, [[Prince]] did not exclusively work in the studio with its members.


In spite of "The NPG"'s many changes throughout the years, and the fact that today's line-up has little in common with the initial "NPG", [[Prince]] has kept the name of "The New Power Generation / The NPG" to define his band.
In spite of "The NPG"’s many changes throughout the years, and the fact that today’s line-up has little in common with the initial "NPG", [[Prince]] has kept the name of "The New Power Generation / The NPG" to define his band.


In addition, "The NPG" seems to have become a wider concept to [[Prince]] than just a band, sometimes also including the concert audiences.
In addition, "The NPG" seems to have increasingly become applied by [[Prince]] beyond just his band, sometimes also including the concert audiences.
|original line up          =
|original line up          =
<big>1990-1993 Line-up</big>
<big>1990-1993 Line-up</big>
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'''Personnel'''
'''Personnel'''
* <u>Making of original line-up</u>
* <u>Making of original line-up</u>
:After [[Miko Weaver]] leaves [[Prince]]'s band (immediately following the [[Nude Tour]]), [[Levi Seacer, Jr.]] switches from bass to guitar. Sonny Thomson, soon renamed [[Sonny T.]] is enlisted as bass player. His first public performance with The NPG is in early October 1990, backing up Tevin Campbell for his TV appearance at the Arsenio Hall Show. While rehearsals with the partially new band take place in December 1990, Tommy Elm soon re-named [[Tommy Barbarella]] is enlisted to replace [[Dr. Fink]]. In early September 1991 the name New Power Generation is first attributed to the new band line up.
:After [[Miko Weaver]] left [[Prince]]’s band (immediately following the [[Nude Tour]]), [[Levi Seacer, Jr.]] switched from bass to guitar. Sonny Thomson, soon renamed [[Sonny T.]] was enlisted as bass player. His first public performance with The NPG was in early October 1990, backing up Tevin Campbell for his TV appearance at the Arsenio Hall Show. While rehearsals with the partially new band took place in December 1990, Tommy Elm soon re-named [[Tommy Barbarella]] was enlisted to replace [[Dr. Fink]]. In early September 1991 the name, New Power Generation, was first attributed to the new band line up.


* <u>Band members additions </u>
* <u>Band members additions </u>
:Lori Elle (Werner) (as 'Diamond') and Robia LaMorte ( as 'Pearl') are recruited as dancers for the [[Diamonds And Pearls Tour]] only. A DJ, William "Diamond J." Graves, is also with the band only for the tour. Also enrolled as a dancer on the [[Diamonds And Pearls Tour]] is [[Mayte Garcia]]. Following the 1992 [[Diamonds And Pearls Tour]], when dancers Lori Elle (Werner) & Robia LaMorte leave, [[Mayte]] stays on as a dancer, also due to her developing romantic involvement with [[Prince]]. She will perform with The NPG until late 1995, and occasionally afterwards.<br><br>During the [[Diamonds And Pearls Tour]] The NPG is augmented with an initially nameless horn section, later dubbed the [[NPG Hornz]], comprising [[Michael Nelson]], [[Brian Gallagher]], [[Kathy Jensen|Kathy J.]], [[Dave Jensen]] and [[Steve Strand]]. The [[NPG Hornz]] are reinstated for the ensuing [[Act I]] and [[Act II]] Tours, replacing [[Brian Gallagher]] with [[Kenni Holmen]] by mid 1994 <br><br>[[Rosie Gaines]] leaves the band in late 1992, and is replaced by [[Morris Hayes]] whom, even when he hasn't been in the line up constantly, would become the longest serving member of the band, and eventually became its leader until he quit in September 2012. [[Tony Mosley]], [[Kirk Johnson]] and [[Damon Dickson]], collectively known as [[The Game Boyz]] have a prominent role in the pre-NPG live band. They are retained for the [[Diamonds And Pearls Tour|Diamonds And Pearls]] and [[Act I]] Tours, but are absent from the [[Act II]] Tour backing band, although they do perform with some of the support act sets The NPG did in Europe in August 1993 on the [[Act II]] Tour.
:Lori Elle (Werner) (as 'Diamond') and Robia LaMorte ( as 'Pearl') were recruited as dancers for the [[Diamonds And Pearls Tour]] only. A DJ, William "Diamond J." Graves, was also with the band only for the tour. Also enrolled as a dancer on the [[Diamonds And Pearls Tour]] was [[Mayte Garcia]]. Following the 1992 [[Diamonds And Pearls Tour]], when dancers Lori Elle (Werner) and Robia LaMorte left, [[Mayte]] stayed on as a dancer, also due to her developing romantic involvement with [[Prince]]. She performed with The NPG until late 1995, and occasionally afterwards.<br><br>During the [[Diamonds And Pearls Tour]] The NPG was augmented with an initially nameless horn section, later dubbed the [[NPG Hornz]], comprising [[Michael Nelson]], [[Brian Gallagher]], [[Kathy Jensen|Kathy J.]], [[Dave Jensen]] and [[Steve Strand]]. The [[NPG Hornz]] were reinstated for the ensuing [[Act I]] and [[Act II]] Tours, replacing [[Brian Gallagher]] with [[Kenni Holmen]] by mid 1994 <br><br>[[Rosie Gaines]] left the band in late 1992, and was replaced by [[Morris Hayes]] who, although not featuring in the line up constantly, would become the longest serving member of the band, and eventually became its leader until he quit in September 2012. [[Tony Mosley]], [[Kirk Johnson]] and [[Damon Dickson]], collectively known as [[The Game Boyz]] had a prominent role in the pre-NPG live band. They were retained for the [[Diamonds And Pearls Tour|Diamonds And Pearls]] and [[Act I]] Tours, but were absent from the [[Act II]] Tour backing band, although they did perform with some of The NPG support act sets The NPG in Europe in August 1993 on the [[Act II]] Tour.


<br>
<br>
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'''Personnel'''
'''Personnel'''
* <u>Making of original line-up</u>
* <u>Making of original line-up</u>
:After [[Levi Seacer, Jr.]] leaves the band to become staff producer for [[Paisley Park Records]] and finally President of [[NPG Records]], [[Prince]] does not hire a new guitar player, instead taking over guitar duties himself. He reduces The NPG to a five-piece band (including himself), retaining only [[Mayte Garcia]] for dance and background vocals duties.<br><br>The whole band was taken off the retainer in late 1996.
:After [[Levi Seacer, Jr.]] left the band to become staff producer for [[Paisley Park Records]] and finally President of [[NPG Records]], [[Prince]] did not hire a new guitar player, instead taking over guitar duties himself. He reduced The NPG to a five-piece band (including himself), retaining only [[Mayte Garcia]] for dance and background vocal duties.<br><br>The whole band was taken off the retainer in late 1996.
|evolution                =
|evolution                =
<big>1997-1999 Line-up</big>
<big>1997-1999 Line-up</big>
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'''Personnel'''
'''Personnel'''
* <u>Making of original line-up</u>
* <u>Making of original line-up</u>
:[[Marva King]] joins the band in early August 1997, after having made a few guest appearances at [[Prince and The NPG]] one-off concerts in July 1997. [[Kat Dyson]] is enrolled from June until late February 1998. A second guitar player, [[Mike Scott]] is hired from December 1996 onwards, and after [[Kat Dyson]] leaves, replaces her until late December 1999.
:[[Marva King]] joined the band in early August 1997, after having made a few guest appearances at [[Prince_and_the_New_Power_Generation|Prince & The NPG]] one-off concerts in July 1997. [[Kat Dyson]] was enrolled from June until late February 1998. A second guitar player, [[Mike Scott]] was hired from December 1996 onwards, and after [[Kat Dyson]] left, replaces her until late December 1999.
* <u>Band members additions </u>
* <u>Band members additions </u>
:In 1998 Dutch saxophonist [[Candy Dulfer]] plays on selected shows in the US and Europe. In 1999 [[Larry Graham]] temporarily replaces [[Rhonda Smith]] on bass, while [[Prince]] takes over on guitar in replacement of [[Kat Dyson]] and [[Mike Scott]]. [[Kip Blackshire]] is hired as keyboard player and vocalist the same year. <br><br>Percussionist [[Estaire Godinez]] plays with the band at selected [[Year:1999|1999]] performances, while a condensed version of the [[NPG Hornz]] comprising [[Michael Nelson]], [[Dave Jensen]], and [[Kathy Jensen|Kathy J.]] also plays with the NPG that year.
:In 1998 Dutch saxophonist [[Candy Dulfer]] played on selected shows in the US and Europe. In 1999 [[Larry Graham]] temporarily replaced [[Rhonda Smith]] on bass, while [[Prince]] took over on guitar in replacement of [[Kat Dyson]] and [[Mike Scott]]. [[Kip Blackshire]] was hired as keyboard player and vocalist the same year. <br><br>Percussionist [[Estaire Godinez]] played with the band at selected [[Year:1999|1999]] performances, while a condensed version of the [[NPG Hornz]] comprising [[Michael Nelson]], [[Dave Jensen]], and [[Kathy Jensen|Kathy J.]] also played with The NPG that year.
<br>
<br>


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'''Personnel'''
'''Personnel'''
* <u>Band members additions </u>
* <u>Band members additions </u>
:Starting in April 2001, a vocal quartet, [[Milenia]] featuring sisters: [[Mikele White]], [[Malikah White]], [[Niyoki White]] and [[Tia White]] is added to the line-up. They remain in the band until the end of the [[Hit N Run Tour 00-01|Hit N Run Tour]].<br><br>[[Maceo Parker]] starts guesting with the NPG from mid April 2001, before becoming a band regular in 2002.<br>
:Starting in April 2001, a vocal quartet, [[Milenia]] featuring sisters: [[Mikele White]], [[Malikah White]], [[Niyoki White]] and [[Tia White]] was added to the line-up. They remained in the band until the end of the [[Hit N Run Tour 00-01|Hit N Run Tour]].<br><br>[[Maceo Parker]] started guesting with The NPG from mid April 2001, before becoming a band regular in 2002.<br>


<br>
<br>
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'''Personnel'''
'''Personnel'''
* <u>Making of original line-up</u>
* <u>Making of original line-up</u>
: From his former band line-up, [[Prince]] only retains the rhythm section ([[John Blackwell]] and [[Rhonda Smith]]) to form a quartet: [[Renato Neto]] is hired on keyboards to replace [[Morris Hayes]], gone to tour with [[Maceo Parker]], and trombone player [[Greg Boyer]] (from [[Maceo Parker]]'s band) for horns duties. [[Greg Boyer]] had played twice with The NPG in June 2001; he becomes a band regular starting with the [[One Nite Alone... Tour]]. This reduced NPG line-up is augmented with additional horns players and / or keyboard players, depending on stage needs.
: From his former band line-up, [[Prince]] only retained the rhythm section of ([[John Blackwell]] and [[Rhonda Smith]]) to form a quartet: [[Renato Neto]] was hired on keyboards to replace [[Morris Hayes]] (who had gone to tour with [[Maceo Parker]]); and trombone player [[Greg Boyer]] (from [[Maceo Parker]]’s band) was hired for horn duties. [[Greg Boyer]] had played twice with The NPG in June 2001; he became a band regular starting with the [[One Nite Alone... Tour]]. This reduced NPG line-up was augmented with additional horn and / or keyboard players, depending on stage needs.


* <u>Band members additions </u>
* <u>Band members additions </u>
:In 2002, Horn section members alter between [[Maceo Parker]] (present at most dates), [[Najee]], [[Candy Dulfer]] and [[Eric Leeds]], usually playing as a horn trio for shows. Of them [[Najee]], who played his last concert with the band on [[06 April 2002|6 April 2002]] is 'replaced' by [[Candy Dulfer]]. Therefore he never shared the stage with her or [[Eric Leeds]] who joins the band on [[Prince_Vault:Selected_anniversaries/May 2|2 May 2002]].  
:In 2002, horn section members alternated between [[Maceo Parker]] (present at most dates), [[Najee]], [[Candy Dulfer]] and [[Eric Leeds]], usually playing as a horn trio for shows. Of them [[Najee]], who played his last concert with the band on [[06 April 2002|6 April 2002]] was ’replaced' by [[Candy Dulfer]]. Therefore he never shared the stage with her or [[Eric Leeds]] who joined the band on [[Prince_Vault:Selected_anniversaries/May 2|2 May 2002]].  


:In October 2003, Rose Ann Dimalanta a.k.a [[Rose Ann Dimalanta|rad.]] first appears with the band. She remains in the line-up until early March 2004, after which she resigns in order to pursue a career outside the [[Prince]] camp. [[Chance Howard]] is also hired from October 2003 and stays with the band for the next tour. [[Candy Dulfer]] joins the [[World Tour 2003]] mid December 2003 in Hawaii and remains in the line up for the [[Musicology_Live_2004ever|Musicology Tour]]
:In October 2003, Rose Ann Dimalanta a.k.a [[Rose Ann Dimalanta|rad.]] first appeared with the band. She remained in the line-up until early March 2004, after which she resigned in order to pursue a career outside the [[Prince]] camp. [[Chance Howard]] was also hired from October 2003 and stayed with the band for the next tour. [[Candy Dulfer]] joined the [[World Tour 2003]] mid December 2003 in Hawaii and remained in the line up for the [[Musicology_Live_2004ever|Musicology Tour]]


:In 2004, [[Maceo Parker]] rejoins the band full time from [[22 April 2004]] onward. [[Mike Scott]] is added in the line-up early March 2004, while [[Mike Phillips]] augments the horn section from mid March 2004 until [[20 June 2004]].<br><br>The whole band was taken of the retainer in later 2004. From the [[Musicology_Live_2004ever|Musicology Tour]] onward until mid 2013, the band is no longer referred to as The NPG in advertising shows or on tickets.
:In 2004, [[Maceo Parker]] rejoined the band full time from [[22 April 2004]] onward. [[Mike Scott]] was added to the line-up early March 2004, while [[Mike Phillips]] augmented the horn section from mid March 2004 until [[20 June 2004]].<br><br>The whole band was taken of the retainer in later 2004. From the [[Musicology_Live_2004ever|Musicology Tour]] onward until mid 2013, the band was no longer referred to as The NPG in advertising shows or on tickets.


<br>
<br>
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'''Personnel'''
'''Personnel'''
* <u>Making of original line-up</u>
* <u>Making of original line-up</u>
:Having disbanded The NPG by the end of the [[Musicology_Live_2004ever|Musicology Tour]], [[Prince]] starts looking for new musicians in January 2005. Late 2005, he recruits [[Cora Coleman-Dunham]] (drums) and [[Josh Dunham]] (bass), to be part of a backing band for his protégée [[Támar Davis]]. NPG veteran [[Morris Hayes]] (keyboards) is incorporated in the band and [[Prince]] takes the guitar player slot. Two back-up singers/dancers [[Maya McClean]] and [[Nandy McClean]] – collectively known as [[The Twinz]] are added to back-up [[Támar Davis|Támar]], forming a trio of vocalists / dancers.<br><br>After the [[Támar Tour]], by the middle of 2006, the band evolves into the "new NPG".
:Having disbanded The NPG by the end of the [[Musicology_Live_2004ever|Musicology Tour]], [[Prince]] starts looking for new musicians in January 2005. Late 2005, he recruited [[Cora Coleman-Dunham]] (drums) and [[Josh Dunham]] (bass), to be part of a backing band for his protégée [[Támar Davis]]. NPG veteran [[Morris Hayes]] (keyboards) was incorporated in the band and [[Prince]] took the guitar player slot. Two back-up singers/dancers [[Maya McClean]] and [[Nandy McClean]],  collectively known as [[The Twinz]], were added to back-up [[Támar Davis|Támar]], forming a trio of vocalists / dancers.<br><br>After the [[Támar Tour]], by the middle of 2006, the band evolved into the "new NPG".


* <u>Band members additions </u>
* <u>Band members additions </u>
:[[Renato Neto]], [[Mike Phillips]], [[Greg Boyer]] and (on most dates) [[Maceo Parker]] are recruited in November 2006 for the [[Per4ming_Live_3121|Las Vegas]] shows. [[Mike Phillips]] reappears as member of the horns section, from [[11 November 2006-am|11 November 2006]] onwards, and ex-NPG member, [[Renato Neto]] joins the band on [[02 December 2006-am |2 December 2006 (a.m.)]] to reinforce the keyboards section. Not available to join on a full time basis, [[Maceo Parker]] remains in The NPG from [[25 November 2006-am|25 November 2006 (a.m.)]] until [[14 January 2007-am|14 January 2007 (a.m.)]] and then plays with the band on selected dates in February and April 2007. <br><br>After noticing her in [[Larry Graham]]'s band, [[Prince]] recruits [[Shelby J.]] who first appears on stage as a background singer on [[30 December 2006-am|30 December 2006 (a.m.)]]. Trumpet player [[Lee Hogans]] is hired from [[20 January 2007]] to add to the horn section in [[Maceo Parker]]'s absence. In order to support the background vox section in London, [[Marva King]] rejoins the NPG in the summer of 2007.<br><br>[[25 February 2008-am|25 February 2008 (a.m.)]] marks the last performance of [[Greg Boyer]], [[Mike Phillips]], [[Lee Hogans]], [[Marva King]] and [[The Twinz]] with the band, although the Twinz would later return for part of the [[Welcome 2 America Tour]] and for the [[Welcome 2 Australia Tour]].
:[[Renato Neto]], [[Mike Phillips]], [[Greg Boyer]] and (on most dates) [[Maceo Parker]] were recruited in November 2006 for the [[Per4ming_Live_3121|Las Vegas]] shows. [[Mike Phillips]] reappeared as a member of the horn section, from [[11 November 2006-am|11 November 2006]] onward, and ex-NPG member, [[Renato Neto]] joined the band on [[02 December 2006-am |2 December 2006 (a.m.)]] to reinforce the keyboards section. Not available to join on a full time basis, [[Maceo Parker]] remained in The NPG from [[25 November 2006-am|25 November 2006 (a.m.)]] until [[14 January 2007-am|14 January 2007 (a.m.)]] and then played with the band on selected dates in February and April 2007. <br><br>After noticing her in [[Larry Graham]]’s band, [[Prince]] recruited [[Shelby J.]] who first appeared on stage as a background singer on [[30 December 2006-am|30 December 2006 (a.m.)]]. Trumpet player [[Lee Hogans]] was hired from [[20 January 2007]] to add to the horn section in [[Maceo Parker]]’s absence. In order to support the background vox section in London, [[Marva King]] rejoined The NPG in the summer of 2007.<br><br>[[25 February 2008-am|25 February 2008 (a.m.)]] marked the last performance of [[Greg Boyer]], [[Mike Phillips]], [[Lee Hogans]], [[Marva King]] and [[The Twinz]] with the band, although the Twinz would later return for part of the [[Welcome 2 America Tour]] and for the [[Welcome 2 Australia Tour]].


<br>
<br>
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<br>
<br>
'''Additional band members'''
'''Additional band members'''
* [[Cassandra O'Neal]]: Keyboards, vox  
* [[Cassandra O’Neal]]: Keyboards, vox  
* [[Elisa Dease]]: Vox  
* [[Elisa Dease]]: Vox  
* [[Liv Warfield]]: Vox  
* [[Liv Warfield]]: Vox  
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'''Personnel'''
'''Personnel'''
* <u>Making of original line-up</u>
* <u>Making of original line-up</u>
:The "new NPG" constantly evolves during 2009 and 2010 as the horns section addition to the band is let go, and the background vocals section is gradually reinforced.
:The "new NPG" constantly evolved during 2009 and 2010 as the horn section addition to the band was let go, and the background vocals section was gradually reinforced.


* <u>Band members additions </u>
* <u>Band members additions </u>
:The "new NPG" continues to evolve during 2009 and 2010 as the horns section is replaced by harmonica player [[Frédéric Yonnet]] who first appears with [[Prince]] in three performances in June and October 2008. [[Prince]] also decides to reinforce the backing vocals and thus enlists [[Liv Warfield]] (in January 2009) and former protégée Elisa Fiorillo, now by the name of [[Elisa Dease]] (in late March 2009) to support [[Shelby J.]]. <br><br>[[Cassandra O'Neal]] is recruited to replace [[Renato Neto]] and first appears with the NPG in October 2009. While no longer being a full time NPG-member, [[Renato Neto]] appears on keyboards with the NPG for selected shows in the summer of 2010.<br><br>This line-up plays with [[Prince]] until the last date of the [[Prince_20TEN_Tour|20TEN Tour]].  
:The "new NPG" continued to evolve during 2009 and 2010. The horn section was replaced by harmonica player [[Frédéric Yonnet]] who first appeared with [[Prince]] in three performances in June and October 2008. [[Prince]] also decided to reinforce the backing vocals, enlisting [[Liv Warfield]] (in January 2009) and former protégée Elisa Fiorillo, now known by the name of [[Elisa Dease]], (in late March 2009) to support [[Shelby J.]]. <br><br>[[Cassandra O’Neal]] was recruited to replace [[Renato Neto]] and first appeared with The NPG in October 2009. While no longer being a full time NPG-member, [[Renato Neto]] appeared on keyboards with The NPG for selected shows in the summer of 2010.<br><br>This line-up played with [[Prince]] until the last date of the [[Prince_20TEN_Tour|20TEN Tour]].  


<br>
<br>
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* [[John Blackwell]]: drums  
* [[John Blackwell]]: drums  
* [[Morris Hayes]]: keyboards
* [[Morris Hayes]]: keyboards
* [[Cassandra O'Neal]]: keyboards, vox  
* [[Cassandra O’Neal]]: keyboards, vox  
* [[Shelby J.]]: Vox
* [[Shelby J.]]: Vox
* [[Elisa Dease]]: Vox
* [[Elisa Dease]]: Vox
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'''Additional Band Members'''<br>
'''Additional Band Members'''<br>
* [[Renato Neto]]: keyboards  
* [[Renato Neto]]: keyboards  
* Misty Copeland: Dance
* Misty Copeland: dance
* [[Maya McClean]]: Dance
* [[Maya McClean]]: dance
* [[Nandy McClean]]: Dance
* [[Nandy McClean]]: dance
* [[Andy Allo]]: guitar, vox
* [[Andy Allo]]: guitar, vox
* [[Marva King]]: vox
* [[Marva King]]: vox
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'''Personnel'''
'''Personnel'''
* <u>Making of original line-up</u>
* <u>Making of original line-up</u>
:The NPG line-up changes once more following the [[Prince_20TEN_Tour|20TEN Tour]], when [[Prince]] lets go the rhythm section ([[Cora Coleman-Dunham]] and [[Josh Dunham]]). For the [[Prince Live 2010]] Tour, [[Prince]] re-enlists former NPG member [[John Blackwell]], who had been hired for several one-off concerts in 2009, to replace [[Cora Coleman-Dunham]]. Newcomer, [[Ida Nielsen]] replaces [[Josh Dunham]] on bass. The line-up continues to be occasionally augmented with ex-NPG members in 2012 before a brand new 11-piece horn section is added in October.
:The NPG line-up changed once more following the [[Prince_20TEN_Tour|20TEN Tour]], when [[Prince]] let go the rhythm section ([[Cora Coleman-Dunham]] and [[Josh Dunham]]). For the [[Prince Live 2010]] Tour, [[Prince]] re-enlisted former NPG member [[John Blackwell]], who had been hired for several one-off concerts in 2009, to replace [[Cora Coleman-Dunham]]. Newcomer, [[Ida Nielsen]] replaced [[Josh Dunham]] on bass. The line-up continued to be occasionally augmented with ex-NPG members in 2012 before a brand new 11-piece horn section was added in October.


* <u>Band member additions </u>
* <u>Band member additions </u>
:Often a guest player during the [[Prince Live 2010]] Tour, [[Renato Neto]] is re-enlisted in 2011 to reinforce the keyboards section during the [[Welcome 2 America Tour]]. He remains in the band until May 2011.<br><br>A guest ballet dancer Misty Copeland performs for the first time with the band on [[25 July 2010]] in Nice, France. She also guests on some [[Welcome 2 America Tour]] shows. As she couldn't commit on a full time basis to the band schedule, [[The Twinz]] are called-in for replacement on [[18 January 2011]]; they are also present at the '''21 Nite Stand''' L.A. residency part of the [[Welcome 2 America Tour]], where Misty also performs some of the dates. [[The Twinz]] didn't do any further touring with the band in 2011 but [[Prince]] re-enlists them for the [[Welcome 2 Australia Tour]] in May 2012.<br><br>[[Andy Allo]] joins the band in 2011 for the [[Welcome 2 America Euro 2011 Tour]] and the [[Welcome 2 Canada Tour]].<br><br>At the NPG Festival in Copenhagen on 6 and 7 August 2011 [[Marva King]] replaces [[Liv Warfield]], who was repatriated to the USA for medical reasons at the end of July 2011. Warfield was absent during the remainder of the tour. During Spring 2012, [[Prince]] with The NPG (minus [[Andy Allo]]) augmented with [[The Twinz]] (and newcomer [[Damaris Lewis]]) for dance duties embarks on the [[Welcome 2 Australia Tour]].<br><br>After a four-month break, [[Prince]] re-enlists former NPG member [[Mike Scott]] on guitar for the "Welcome 2 Chicago" residency. Newcomer [[Andrew Gouché]] occasionally replaces [[Ida Nielsen]] on bass (in this case [[Ida Nielsen]] plays guitar), while [[Hannah Ford]] plays with The NPG for the first time as occasional drummer. [[Prince]] also uses the opportunity of the "Welcome 2 Chicago" residency to unveil a new 11-piece horn section. <br><br>In October 2012 Ledisi, who previously performed with The NPG a few times in 2009, replaced [[Shelby J.]] for a few performances, she was unavailable to attend. <br><br>After the Welcome 2 Chicago residency, in late 2012, [[Morris Hayes]] is let go; [[Mike Scott]] is hired by Justin Timberlake and subsequently leaves the band; [[Andy Allo]] pursues her solo career.
:Often a guest player during the [[Prince Live 2010]] Tour, [[Renato Neto]] was re-enlisted in 2011 to reinforce the keyboards section during the [[Welcome 2 America Tour]]. He remained in the band until May 2011.<br><br>A guest ballet dancer, Misty Copeland performed for the first time with the band on [[25 July 2010]] in Nice, France. She also guested on some [[Welcome 2 America Tour]] shows. As she couldn’t commit on a full time basis to the band schedule, [[The Twinz]] were called-in for replacement on [[18 January 2011]]; they were also present at the '''21 Nite Stand''' L.A. residency part of the [[Welcome 2 America Tour]], where Misty also performed some of the dates. [[The Twinz]] didn’t do any further touring with the band in 2011 but [[Prince]] re-enlisted them for the [[Welcome 2 Australia Tour]] in May 2012.<br><br>[[Andy Allo]] joined the band in 2011 for the [[Welcome 2 America Euro 2011 Tour]] and the [[Welcome 2 Canada Tour]].<br><br>At the NPG Festival in Copenhagen on 6 and 7 August 2011 [[Marva King]] replaced [[Liv Warfield]], who was repatriated to the USA for medical reasons at the end of July 2011. Warfield was absent during the remainder of the tour. During Spring 2012, [[Prince]] with The NPG (minus [[Andy Allo]]) augmented with [[The Twinz]] (and newcomer [[Damaris Lewis]]) for dance duties embarked on the [[Welcome 2 Australia Tour]].<br><br>After a four-month break, [[Prince]] re-enlisted former NPG member [[Mike Scott]] on guitar for the "Welcome 2 Chicago" residency. Newcomer [[Andrew Gouché]] occasionally replaced [[Ida Nielsen]] on bass (on which occasions [[Ida Nielsen]] played guitar), while [[Hannah Ford]] played with The NPG for the first time as occasional drummer. [[Prince]] also used the opportunity of the "Welcome 2 Chicago" residency to unveil a new 11-piece horn section. <br><br>In October 2012 Ledisi, who had previously performed with The NPG a few times in 2009, replaced [[Shelby J.]] for the few performances that she was unavailable to attend. <br><br>After the Welcome 2 Chicago residency, in late 2012, [[Morris Hayes]] was let go; [[Mike Scott]] was hired by Justin Timberlake and subsequently left the band; [[Andy Allo]] pursued her solo career.


<br>
<br>
Line 279: Line 279:
* [[Ida Nielsen]]: guitar
* [[Ida Nielsen]]: guitar
* [[Donna Grantis]]: guitar
* [[Donna Grantis]]: guitar
* [[Cassandra O'Neal]]: keyboards, vox  
* [[Cassandra O’Neal]]: keyboards, vox  
* [[Andrew Gouché]]: bass
* [[Andrew Gouché]]: bass
* [[Shelby J.]]: Vox
* [[Shelby J.]]: Vox
Line 306: Line 306:
'''Personnel'''
'''Personnel'''
* <u>Making of original line-up</u>
* <u>Making of original line-up</u>
:The NPG evolves into a big band as [[Prince]] fully incorporates the 11-piece into the band, dubbing them [[NPG Hornz]]. [[John Blackwell]] plays his last gig with the band in March, and is replaced by [[Hannah Ford]] from [[3rdEyeGirl]]. [[Andrew Gouché]] replaces [[Ida Nielsen]] on bass while she changes position to play guitar and occasionally bass while [[Donna Grantis]], newly recruited for the [[3rdEyeGirl]] band, is given the guitar soloist duties (leaving [[Prince]] more room for stage entertainment). [[Morris Hayes]] is not replaced and all keyboard samples duties are left to [[Cassandra O'Neal]].  
:The NPG evolved into a big band as [[Prince]] fully incorporated the 11-piece horn section into the band, dubbing them [[NPG Hornz]]. [[John Blackwell]] played his last gig with the band in March, and was replaced by [[Hannah Ford]] from [[3rdEyeGirl]]. [[Andrew Gouché]] replaced [[Ida Nielsen]] on bass while she changed position to play guitar and occasionally bass while [[Donna Grantis]], newly recruited for the [[3rdEyeGirl]] band, was given the guitar soloist duties (leaving [[Prince]] more room for stage entertainment). [[Morris Hayes]] was not replaced and all keyboard sample duties were left to [[Cassandra O’Neal]].  


* <u>Band members additions </u>
* <u>Band members additions </u>
:In January 2013, [[Prince]] recruits Ronald Bruner Jr. as new NPG drummer for three shows at Dakota Jazz Club, Minnepolis, MN, USA. [[Damaris Lewis]] and [[Joshua Welton]] appear occasionally as dancers (Welton also sometimes plays percussion). Rhani Krija is invited to join the band as guest in December 2013 for the 3 shows at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT, USA.  
:In January 2013, [[Prince]] recruited Ronald Bruner Jr. as the new NPG drummer for three shows at Dakota Jazz Club, Minnepolis, MN, USA. [[Damaris Lewis]] and [[Joshua Welton]] appeared occasionally as dancers (Welton also sometimes played percussion). Rhani Krija was invited to join the band as guest in December 2013 for the 3 shows at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT, USA.  
Not having used the '''The NPG'' moniker for the band since early 2004, the name returns in 2013 to distinguish performances with a fuller line-up form those done with [[3rdEyeGirl]].
Not having used the '''The NPG'' moniker for the band since early 2004, the name returned in 2013 to distinguish performances with a fuller line-up from those done with [[3rdEyeGirl]].


|studio contribution      = <big>With Prince</big><br>
|studio contribution      = <big>With Prince</big><br>
Line 316: Line 316:
Although The NPG band members have contributed to more than the following releases, they were cited as being part of a limited number of albums and singles.  
Although The NPG band members have contributed to more than the following releases, they were cited as being part of a limited number of albums and singles.  


After 1992, even though [[Prince]] would work with The NPG (full band or shortened) as studio musicians, he would not usually let the name of his band appear as prominently as before on the covers of his albums. The album [[Album: C-Note|C-Note]] cut live with The NPG was not credited as such, the same goes for some of the promo releases surrounding the [[Album:_One_Nite_Alone..._Live!|One Nite Alone... Live!]] album.
After 1992, even though [[Prince]] worked with The NPG (full band or shortened) as studio musicians, he did not usually let the name of his band appear as prominently as before on the covers of his albums. The album [[Album: C-Note|C-Note]] cut live with The NPG was not credited as such. The same goes for some of the promo releases surrounding the [[Album:_One_Nite_Alone..._Live!|One Nite Alone... Live!]] album.


<br>
<br>
<big>As The NPG</big><br>
<big>As The NPG</big><br>
----
----
Throughout their existence the band releases three albums (mostly composed by [[Prince]]) two of which are released commercially.  
Throughout their existence the band released three albums (mostly composed by [[Prince]]), two of which are released commercially.  


Unlike former productions, [[Prince]] not only records the music with the band but also shares credits. The three albums are all of different incarnations of the band; [[Album: Gold Nigga|Gold Nigga]] from 1993 features the 'original' NPG line up (after [[Rosie Gaines]] is replaced by [[Morris Hayes]], whereas the follow up [[Album: Exodus|Exodus]] is the condensed version, minus [[The Game Boyz]] and [[Levi Seacer, Jr.]].  
Unlike former productions, [[Prince]] not only recorded the music with the band but also shared credits. The three albums each featured different incarnations of the band; [[Album: Gold Nigga|Gold Nigga]] from 1993 showcased the 'original' NPG line up (after [[Rosie Gaines]] was replaced by [[Morris Hayes]], whereas the follow up [[Album: Exodus|Exodus]] was the condensed version, minus [[The Game Boyz]] and [[Levi Seacer, Jr.]].  


The third album [[Album: Newpower Soul|Newpower Soul]] features the 1998 line up with [[Rhonda Smith]], [[Kirk Johnson]] and [[Morris Hayes]], but minus [[Kat Dyson]]. [[Marva King]] also sings on the album.  
The third album [[Album: Newpower Soul|Newpower Soul]] featured the 1998 line up with [[Rhonda Smith]], [[Kirk Johnson]] and [[Morris Hayes]], but minus [[Kat Dyson]]. [[Marva King]] also sang on the album.  


Although a fourth NPG album, [[Album: Peace|Peace]] was previewed by the single of the same name, and on which [[Single: The Daisy Chain|The Daisy Chain]] was also proposed to part of, it was never released.
Although a fourth NPG album, [[Album: Peace (2000)|Peace]] was previewed by the single of the same name, and on which [[Single: The Daisy Chain|The Daisy Chain]] was also proposed to part of, it was never released.


|live contribution        = The NPG in its different line-ups is [[Prince]]'s live backing band since 1990. The band contributed to establish [[Prince]]'s stage reputation as it backed [[Prince]] up during all his tours since the [[Nude Tour]]. The NPG sans [[Prince]] also performed occasionally as support band for his shows. In 2007, The NPG also often performed as the main act at The IndigO<sub>2</sub> 'after shows'.  
|live contribution        = The NPG in its different line-ups was [[Prince]]’s live backing band since 1990. The band contributed to establish [[Prince]]’s stage reputation as it backed [[Prince]] up during all his tours from the [[Nude Tour]]onward. The NPG sans [[Prince]] also performed occasionally as support band for his shows. In 2007, The NPG also often performed as the main act at The IndigO<sub>2</sub> 'after shows'.  
<!-- live section -->
<!-- live section -->
|first live appearance    = [[06_January 1991|6 Jan. 1991]] Minneapolis, [[Venue: Glam Slam|Glam Slam]]
|first live appearance    = [[06_January 1991|6 Jan. 1991]] Minneapolis, [[Venue: Glam Slam|Glam Slam]]
Line 393: Line 393:
:1999: [[Album:_The_Vault..._Old_Friends_4_Sale|The Vault... Old Friend 4 Sale]]
:1999: [[Album:_The_Vault..._Old_Friends_4_Sale|The Vault... Old Friend 4 Sale]]
:2002: [[Album:_One_Nite_Alone..._Live!|One Nite Alone... Live!]]
:2002: [[Album:_One_Nite_Alone..._Live!|One Nite Alone... Live!]]
:2002: [[Album:_One_Nite_Alone..._The_Aftershow:_It_Ain't_Over|One Nite Alone... The Aftershow: It Ain't Over]]
:2002: [[Album:_One_Nite_Alone..._The_Aftershow:_It_Ain’t_Over|One Nite Alone... The Aftershow: It Ain’t Over]]
:2004: [[Album:_The_Slaughterhouse|The Slaughterhouse]]
:2004: [[Album:_The_Slaughterhouse|The Slaughterhouse]]
:2007: [[Album: Planet Earth|Planet Earth]]
:2007: [[Album: Planet Earth|Planet Earth]]
Line 401: Line 401:
:1991: [[Single: Insatiable|Insatiable]]  
:1991: [[Single: Insatiable|Insatiable]]  
:1991: [[Single: Diamonds And Pearls|Diamonds And Pearls]]  
:1991: [[Single: Diamonds And Pearls|Diamonds And Pearls]]  
:1992: [[Single: Money Don't Matter 2 Night|Money Don't Matter 2 Night]]
:1992: [[Single: Money Don’t Matter 2 Night|Money Don’t Matter 2 Night]]
:1992: [[Single: Willing And Able|Willing And Able]]  
:1992: [[Single: Willing And Able|Willing And Able]]  
:1992: [[Single: Thunder|Thunder]]
:1992: [[Single: Thunder|Thunder]]
Line 418: Line 418:
:1992: [[Single: The Morning Papers|The Morning Papers]]
:1992: [[Single: The Morning Papers|The Morning Papers]]
:1996: [[Single:_Betcha_By_Golly Wow!|Betcha By Golly Wow!]]
:1996: [[Single:_Betcha_By_Golly Wow!|Betcha By Golly Wow!]]
:1996: [[Single:_Somebody's_Somebody|Somebody's Somebody]]
:1996: [[Single:_Somebody’s Somebody|Somebody’s Somebody]]
:1997: [[Single:_NYC|NYC]]
:1997: [[Single:_NYC|NYC]]
:1999: [[Single:_Extraordinary|Extraordinary]]
:1999: [[Single:_Extraordinary|Extraordinary]]
:1999: [[Single:_The_Rest_Of_My_Life|The Rest Of My Life]]
:1999: [[Single:_The_Rest_Of_My_Life|The Rest Of My Life]]
:1999: [[Single:_5_Women|5 Women]]
:1999: [[Single:_5_Women|5 Women]]
:1999: [[Single:_It's_About_That_Walk|It's About That Walk]]
:1999: [[Single:_It’s_About_That_Walk|It’s About That Walk]]
:2002: [[Single:_One_Nite_Alone..._Live_EP|One Nite Alone... Live EP]]
:2002: [[Single:_One_Nite_Alone..._Live_EP|One Nite Alone... Live EP]]
:2002: [[Single:_Days_Of_Wild|Days Of Wild]]
:2002: [[Single:_Days_Of_Wild|Days Of Wild]]
Line 435: Line 435:
:1995: [[Mayte]]: [[Album: Child Of The Sun|Child Of The Sun]]
:1995: [[Mayte]]: [[Album: Child Of The Sun|Child Of The Sun]]
:1999: Larry Graham & [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graham_Central_Station GCS]: [[Album:_GCS_2000|GCS 2000]]
:1999: Larry Graham & [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graham_Central_Station GCS]: [[Album:_GCS_2000|GCS 2000]]
:2010: [[Rosie Gaines]]: [[Album: Concrete Jungle|Concrete Jungle]]
:2009: [[Rosie Gaines]]: [[Album: Concrete Jungle|Concrete Jungle]]
:2012: [[Andy Allo]]: [[Album: Superconductor|Superconductor]]
:2012: [[Andy Allo]]: [[Album: Superconductor|Superconductor]]
* '''Singles'''
* '''Singles'''

Latest revision as of 19:36, 16 October 2024

NPG Orchestra ◄ All Biographies Prince Biography ► Cassandra O’Neal
The NPG

(Original Line-Up #1)


(Original Line-Up #2)


(Line-Up 1998)


(Line-Up 2002)


(Line-Up 2004)


(Line-Up 2007)


(Line-Up 2012)

Band details

Assembled: 1990 (original line-up #1)
1994 (original line-up #2)
1997 (3rd Line-up)
2000 (4th Line-up)
2002 (5th Line-up)
2006 (6th Line-up)
2009 (7th Line-up)
2010 (8th Line-up)
2013 (9th Line-up)
Disbanded: 1996 (original line-up #2)
2004 (5th Line-up)
Activity with Prince: 1990 - 1993 (original line-up)
1994 - 1996 (original line-up #2)
1997 - 1999 (3rd Line-up)
2000 - 2001 (4th Line-up)
2002 - 2004 (5th Line-up)
2006 - 2009 (6th Line-up)
2009 - 2010 (7th Line-up)
2010 - 2012 (8th Line-up)
2013 - 2015 (9th Line-up)
Live Performances
First live appearance w/Prince:
Performed regularly on tour:
  • Original line up #1
Diamonds And Pearls Tour
Act I
Act II
  • 1994-1996 Line up
The Ultimate Live Experience
Japan '96
  • 1997-1999 Line up
Love 4 One Another Charities Tour
Jam Of The Year World Tour
New Power Soul Tour
New Power Soul Festival Tour
  • 2000-2001 Line up
Hit N Run Tour
A Celebration
  • 2002-2004 Line up
One Nite Alone... Tour
World Tour 2003
Musicology Live 2004ever
  • 2006-2008 Line up
Per4ming Live 3121
21 Nights In London : The Earth Tour
  • 2009-2010 Line up
Prince 20TEN Tour
  • 2010-2011 Line up
Prince Live 2010
Welcome 2 America Tour
Welcome 2 America Euro 2011 Tour
Welcome 2 Canada Tour
  • 2012 Line-up
Welcome 2 Australia Tour
Performed occasionally in shows:
As Prince's support band:
13 Aug. 1993 Cádiz, Spain: Estadio Ramón de Carranza
19 Aug. 1993 Gijón, Spain: Hipódromo de las Mestas
21 Aug. 1993 Madrid, Spain: Plaza de Toros de las Ventas
22 Aug. 1993 Barcelona, Spain: Palau Sant Jordi
25 Aug. 1993 Vienna, Austria: Donauinsel
31 Aug. 1993 Paris, France: Palais Omnisport de Paris Bercy
5 Sep. 1993 Mainz, Germany: Flughafen Finthen
7 Sep. 1993 London, England: Wembley Arena
2 Jul. 2004 New Orleans, USA: Louisiana Superdome (with Prince in disguise)
With Prince's Associates:
As main act:
18 Aug. 2007 (a.m.) London, England: 3121 at The IndigO2 with Mya
26 Aug. 2007 (a.m.) London, England: 3121 at The IndigO2
1 Sep. 2007 (a.m.) London, England: 3121 at The IndigO2
21 Sep. 2007 (a.m.) London, England: 3121 at The IndigO2
Discography
With Prince:
  • Albums
1991: Diamonds And Pearls
1992:
1993: The Hits 1
1993: The Hits / The B-Sides
1994: Come
1995: The Gold Experience
1996: Chaos And Disorder
1996: Emancipation
1999: The Vault... Old Friend 4 Sale
2002: One Nite Alone... Live!
2002: One Nite Alone... The Aftershow: It Ain’t Over
2004: The Slaughterhouse
2007: Planet Earth
  • Singles
1991: Gett Off
1991: Cream
1991: Insatiable
1991: Diamonds And Pearls
1992: Money Don’t Matter 2 Night
1992: Willing And Able
1992: Thunder
1992: Sexy M.F.
1992: My Name Is Prince
1992: 7
1992: Damn U
1993: Nothing Compares 2 U (live)
1994: Space
1995: Purple Medley
1995: P. Control (House Mix)
1995: Dolphin
1995: Endorphinmachine
1995: Hate U
1995: Gold
1992: The Morning Papers
1996: Betcha By Golly Wow!
1996: Somebody’s Somebody
1997: NYC
1999: Extraordinary
1999: The Rest Of My Life
1999: 5 Women
1999: It’s About That Walk
2002: One Nite Alone... Live EP
2002: Days Of Wild
2002: Live At The Aladdin Las Vegas
2004: Controversy (Live In Hawaii)
2007: Chelsea Rodgers
With Prince's Associates:
  • Albums
1993: Carmen Electra: Carmen Electra
1993: Mavis Staples: The Voice
1994: Various Artists: 1-800 New Funk
1995: Mayte: Child Of The Sun
1999: Larry Graham & GCS: GCS 2000
2009: Rosie Gaines: Concrete Jungle
2012: Andy Allo: Superconductor
  • Singles
1993: Carmen Electra: Everybody Get On Up
Self Productions w/Prince:
  • Albums
1994: Gold Nigga (NPG Records)
1995: Exodus (NPG Records)
1998: Newpower Soul (NPG Records)
  • Compilations
1994: Blankman (contains Super Hero)
1994: Prêt-A-Porter (contains Get Wild)
1996: Girl 6 (contains Count The Days & Girl 6)
  • Singles
1993: 2gether
1994: Super Hero
1995: Get Wild
1995: Count The Days
1995: The Good Life
1996: Girl 6
1998: The One
1998: The War
1998: Come On
2001: Peace
2001: The Daisy Chain

The New Power Generation, frequently abbreviated to The NPG, is the name given to the band (of a variety of line ups) assembled by Prince in late 1990 and onward, to back him up during his live appearances.

After disbanding The Revolution, Prince had been using a live backing band on tours from 1987 to 1990 that did not have a name as such. Following the 1990 Nude Tour, Prince first started referring to his band as "The New Power Generation", a term first used in the song No. The abbreviation, NPG, was also featured on the back of at least one of the band member’s wardrobe during the 1988 Lovesexy Tour.

On the 1990 soundtrack album Graffiti Bridge there is also a song dubbed New Power Generation, but at the time it was not attributed to Prince’s backing band per se. As he done with The Revolution previously, Prince coupled his name with "The New Power Generation" on his next two albums.


The 90’s

During the early nineties the band evolved from a backing band to an entity of its own, for which Prince composed material and produced a number of albums, like he had done for The Time previously. Members were encouraged to actively participate in the music creation process, for Prince’s album as well as "The New Power Generation (shortened to The NPG) albums projects and other Prince’s productions for protégé(e)s or related artists.

In 1996, Prince disbanded "The NPG" and all its members were taken off the retainer. He then began to form a new band, keeping only the "NPG" moniker. Although not being as prominent as in the former "NPG" concept, the band members kept an influential role during studio sessions and live performances. The third "NPG" album, Newpower Soul, reflected these changes: Prince was now openly a member of the band, and its lead singer.


The 00’s

The first half of the new millennium saw "The NPG" line-up evolve almost every year. The band released two singles in 2001, but after that no other studio project stamped "The NPG" surfaced. Meanwhile Prince kept giving each member space to express their own skills on stage.

After disbanding "The NPG" once more, following the Musicology Tour, Prince assembled a new band in order to back up his new protégée, Támar Davis. When he went back to touring as a main act, Prince retained the Támar Davis band musicians to form his own backing band. Nevertheless the autonomy and part of creativity that Prince allowed "The NPG" in the nineties were less prominent: The band seemed to have been relegated to serve merely as a backing band for live shows. It should be noted that between 2004 and 2012 the band wasn’t usually referred to as The NPG on tickets or when advertising shows.


The 10’s

The numerous changes in the band over the last few years reflected Prince’s needs on stage, more than what the band would need as members when they would be their own entity. In contrast with earlier line ups, Prince did not exclusively work in the studio with its members.

In spite of "The NPG"’s many changes throughout the years, and the fact that today’s line-up has little in common with the initial "NPG", Prince has kept the name of "The New Power Generation / The NPG" to define his band.

In addition, "The NPG" seems to have increasingly become applied by Prince beyond just his band, sometimes also including the concert audiences.


Line Up
Original

1990-1993 Line-up



Additional Band Members


Personnel

  • Making of original line-up
After Miko Weaver left Prince’s band (immediately following the Nude Tour), Levi Seacer, Jr. switched from bass to guitar. Sonny Thomson, soon renamed Sonny T. was enlisted as bass player. His first public performance with The NPG was in early October 1990, backing up Tevin Campbell for his TV appearance at the Arsenio Hall Show. While rehearsals with the partially new band took place in December 1990, Tommy Elm soon re-named Tommy Barbarella was enlisted to replace Dr. Fink. In early September 1991 the name, New Power Generation, was first attributed to the new band line up.
  • Band members additions
Lori Elle (Werner) (as 'Diamond') and Robia LaMorte ( as 'Pearl') were recruited as dancers for the Diamonds And Pearls Tour only. A DJ, William "Diamond J." Graves, was also with the band only for the tour. Also enrolled as a dancer on the Diamonds And Pearls Tour was Mayte Garcia. Following the 1992 Diamonds And Pearls Tour, when dancers Lori Elle (Werner) and Robia LaMorte left, Mayte stayed on as a dancer, also due to her developing romantic involvement with Prince. She performed with The NPG until late 1995, and occasionally afterwards.

During the Diamonds And Pearls Tour The NPG was augmented with an initially nameless horn section, later dubbed the NPG Hornz, comprising Michael Nelson, Brian Gallagher, Kathy J., Dave Jensen and Steve Strand. The NPG Hornz were reinstated for the ensuing Act I and Act II Tours, replacing Brian Gallagher with Kenni Holmen by mid 1994

Rosie Gaines left the band in late 1992, and was replaced by Morris Hayes who, although not featuring in the line up constantly, would become the longest serving member of the band, and eventually became its leader until he quit in September 2012. Tony Mosley, Kirk Johnson and Damon Dickson, collectively known as The Game Boyz had a prominent role in the pre-NPG live band. They were retained for the Diamonds And Pearls and Act I Tours, but were absent from the Act II Tour backing band, although they did perform with some of The NPG support act sets The NPG in Europe in August 1993 on the Act II Tour.


1994-1996 Line-up



Personnel

  • Making of original line-up
After Levi Seacer, Jr. left the band to become staff producer for Paisley Park Records and finally President of NPG Records, Prince did not hire a new guitar player, instead taking over guitar duties himself. He reduced The NPG to a five-piece band (including himself), retaining only Mayte Garcia for dance and background vocal duties.

The whole band was taken off the retainer in late 1996.
Evolution

1997-1999 Line-up



Additional Band Members


Personnel

  • Making of original line-up
Marva King joined the band in early August 1997, after having made a few guest appearances at Prince & The NPG one-off concerts in July 1997. Kat Dyson was enrolled from June until late February 1998. A second guitar player, Mike Scott was hired from December 1996 onwards, and after Kat Dyson left, replaces her until late December 1999.
  • Band members additions
In 1998 Dutch saxophonist Candy Dulfer played on selected shows in the US and Europe. In 1999 Larry Graham temporarily replaced Rhonda Smith on bass, while Prince took over on guitar in replacement of Kat Dyson and Mike Scott. Kip Blackshire was hired as keyboard player and vocalist the same year.

Percussionist Estaire Godinez played with the band at selected 1999 performances, while a condensed version of the NPG Hornz comprising Michael Nelson, Dave Jensen, and Kathy J. also played with The NPG that year.


2000-2001 Line-up



Additional Band Members


Personnel

  • Band members additions
Starting in April 2001, a vocal quartet, Milenia featuring sisters: Mikele White, Malikah White, Niyoki White and Tia White was added to the line-up. They remained in the band until the end of the Hit N Run Tour.

Maceo Parker started guesting with The NPG from mid April 2001, before becoming a band regular in 2002.


2002-2004 Line-up



One Nite Alone Tour additional members


World Tour 2003 additional members


Musicology Tour additional members


Personnel

  • Making of original line-up
From his former band line-up, Prince only retained the rhythm section of (John Blackwell and Rhonda Smith) to form a quartet: Renato Neto was hired on keyboards to replace Morris Hayes (who had gone to tour with Maceo Parker); and trombone player Greg Boyer (from Maceo Parker’s band) was hired for horn duties. Greg Boyer had played twice with The NPG in June 2001; he became a band regular starting with the One Nite Alone... Tour. This reduced NPG line-up was augmented with additional horn and / or keyboard players, depending on stage needs.
  • Band members additions
In 2002, horn section members alternated between Maceo Parker (present at most dates), Najee, Candy Dulfer and Eric Leeds, usually playing as a horn trio for shows. Of them Najee, who played his last concert with the band on 6 April 2002 was ’replaced' by Candy Dulfer. Therefore he never shared the stage with her or Eric Leeds who joined the band on 2 May 2002.
In October 2003, Rose Ann Dimalanta a.k.a rad. first appeared with the band. She remained in the line-up until early March 2004, after which she resigned in order to pursue a career outside the Prince camp. Chance Howard was also hired from October 2003 and stayed with the band for the next tour. Candy Dulfer joined the World Tour 2003 mid December 2003 in Hawaii and remained in the line up for the Musicology Tour
In 2004, Maceo Parker rejoined the band full time from 22 April 2004 onward. Mike Scott was added to the line-up early March 2004, while Mike Phillips augmented the horn section from mid March 2004 until 20 June 2004.

The whole band was taken of the retainer in later 2004. From the Musicology Tour onward until mid 2013, the band was no longer referred to as The NPG in advertising shows or on tickets.


2006-2008 Line-up



Additional band members


Personnel

  • Making of original line-up
Having disbanded The NPG by the end of the Musicology Tour, Prince starts looking for new musicians in January 2005. Late 2005, he recruited Cora Coleman-Dunham (drums) and Josh Dunham (bass), to be part of a backing band for his protégée Támar Davis. NPG veteran Morris Hayes (keyboards) was incorporated in the band and Prince took the guitar player slot. Two back-up singers/dancers Maya McClean and Nandy McClean, collectively known as The Twinz, were added to back-up Támar, forming a trio of vocalists / dancers.

After the Támar Tour, by the middle of 2006, the band evolved into the "new NPG".
  • Band members additions
Renato Neto, Mike Phillips, Greg Boyer and (on most dates) Maceo Parker were recruited in November 2006 for the Las Vegas shows. Mike Phillips reappeared as a member of the horn section, from 11 November 2006 onward, and ex-NPG member, Renato Neto joined the band on 2 December 2006 (a.m.) to reinforce the keyboards section. Not available to join on a full time basis, Maceo Parker remained in The NPG from 25 November 2006 (a.m.) until 14 January 2007 (a.m.) and then played with the band on selected dates in February and April 2007.

After noticing her in Larry Graham’s band, Prince recruited Shelby J. who first appeared on stage as a background singer on 30 December 2006 (a.m.). Trumpet player Lee Hogans was hired from 20 January 2007 to add to the horn section in Maceo Parker’s absence. In order to support the background vox section in London, Marva King rejoined The NPG in the summer of 2007.

25 February 2008 (a.m.) marked the last performance of Greg Boyer, Mike Phillips, Lee Hogans, Marva King and The Twinz with the band, although the Twinz would later return for part of the Welcome 2 America Tour and for the Welcome 2 Australia Tour.


2009-2010 Line-up



Additional band members


Personnel

  • Making of original line-up
The "new NPG" constantly evolved during 2009 and 2010 as the horn section addition to the band was let go, and the background vocals section was gradually reinforced.
  • Band members additions
The "new NPG" continued to evolve during 2009 and 2010. The horn section was replaced by harmonica player Frédéric Yonnet who first appeared with Prince in three performances in June and October 2008. Prince also decided to reinforce the backing vocals, enlisting Liv Warfield (in January 2009) and former protégée Elisa Fiorillo, now known by the name of Elisa Dease, (in late March 2009) to support Shelby J..

Cassandra O’Neal was recruited to replace Renato Neto and first appeared with The NPG in October 2009. While no longer being a full time NPG-member, Renato Neto appeared on keyboards with The NPG for selected shows in the summer of 2010.

This line-up played with Prince until the last date of the 20TEN Tour.


2010-2012 Line up



Additional Band Members


Personnel

  • Making of original line-up
The NPG line-up changed once more following the 20TEN Tour, when Prince let go the rhythm section (Cora Coleman-Dunham and Josh Dunham). For the Prince Live 2010 Tour, Prince re-enlisted former NPG member John Blackwell, who had been hired for several one-off concerts in 2009, to replace Cora Coleman-Dunham. Newcomer, Ida Nielsen replaced Josh Dunham on bass. The line-up continued to be occasionally augmented with ex-NPG members in 2012 before a brand new 11-piece horn section was added in October.
  • Band member additions
Often a guest player during the Prince Live 2010 Tour, Renato Neto was re-enlisted in 2011 to reinforce the keyboards section during the Welcome 2 America Tour. He remained in the band until May 2011.

A guest ballet dancer, Misty Copeland performed for the first time with the band on 25 July 2010 in Nice, France. She also guested on some Welcome 2 America Tour shows. As she couldn’t commit on a full time basis to the band schedule, The Twinz were called-in for replacement on 18 January 2011; they were also present at the 21 Nite Stand L.A. residency part of the Welcome 2 America Tour, where Misty also performed some of the dates. The Twinz didn’t do any further touring with the band in 2011 but Prince re-enlisted them for the Welcome 2 Australia Tour in May 2012.

Andy Allo joined the band in 2011 for the Welcome 2 America Euro 2011 Tour and the Welcome 2 Canada Tour.

At the NPG Festival in Copenhagen on 6 and 7 August 2011 Marva King replaced Liv Warfield, who was repatriated to the USA for medical reasons at the end of July 2011. Warfield was absent during the remainder of the tour. During Spring 2012, Prince with The NPG (minus Andy Allo) augmented with The Twinz (and newcomer Damaris Lewis) for dance duties embarked on the Welcome 2 Australia Tour.

After a four-month break, Prince re-enlisted former NPG member Mike Scott on guitar for the "Welcome 2 Chicago" residency. Newcomer Andrew Gouché occasionally replaced Ida Nielsen on bass (on which occasions Ida Nielsen played guitar), while Hannah Ford played with The NPG for the first time as occasional drummer. Prince also used the opportunity of the "Welcome 2 Chicago" residency to unveil a new 11-piece horn section.

In October 2012 Ledisi, who had previously performed with The NPG a few times in 2009, replaced Shelby J. for the few performances that she was unavailable to attend.

After the Welcome 2 Chicago residency, in late 2012, Morris Hayes was let go; Mike Scott was hired by Justin Timberlake and subsequently left the band; Andy Allo pursued her solo career.


2013 - 2015



NPG Hornz


Additional Band Members


Personnel

  • Making of original line-up
The NPG evolved into a big band as Prince fully incorporated the 11-piece horn section into the band, dubbing them NPG Hornz. John Blackwell played his last gig with the band in March, and was replaced by Hannah Ford from 3rdEyeGirl. Andrew Gouché replaced Ida Nielsen on bass while she changed position to play guitar and occasionally bass while Donna Grantis, newly recruited for the 3rdEyeGirl band, was given the guitar soloist duties (leaving Prince more room for stage entertainment). Morris Hayes was not replaced and all keyboard sample duties were left to Cassandra O’Neal.
  • Band members additions
In January 2013, Prince recruited Ronald Bruner Jr. as the new NPG drummer for three shows at Dakota Jazz Club, Minnepolis, MN, USA. Damaris Lewis and Joshua Welton appeared occasionally as dancers (Welton also sometimes played percussion). Rhani Krija was invited to join the band as guest in December 2013 for the 3 shows at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT, USA.

Not having used the 'The NPG moniker for the band since early 2004, the name returned in 2013 to distinguish performances with a fuller line-up from those done with 3rdEyeGirl.


Contributions
Studio

With Prince

Although The NPG band members have contributed to more than the following releases, they were cited as being part of a limited number of albums and singles.

After 1992, even though Prince worked with The NPG (full band or shortened) as studio musicians, he did not usually let the name of his band appear as prominently as before on the covers of his albums. The album C-Note cut live with The NPG was not credited as such. The same goes for some of the promo releases surrounding the One Nite Alone... Live! album.


As The NPG

Throughout their existence the band released three albums (mostly composed by Prince), two of which are released commercially.

Unlike former productions, Prince not only recorded the music with the band but also shared credits. The three albums each featured different incarnations of the band; Gold Nigga from 1993 showcased the 'original' NPG line up (after Rosie Gaines was replaced by Morris Hayes, whereas the follow up Exodus was the condensed version, minus The Game Boyz and Levi Seacer, Jr..

The third album Newpower Soul featured the 1998 line up with Rhonda Smith, Kirk Johnson and Morris Hayes, but minus Kat Dyson. Marva King also sang on the album.

Although a fourth NPG album, Peace was previewed by the single of the same name, and on which The Daisy Chain was also proposed to part of, it was never released.

Live

The NPG in its different line-ups was Prince’s live backing band since 1990. The band contributed to establish Prince’s stage reputation as it backed Prince up during all his tours from the Nude Touronward. The NPG sans Prince also performed occasionally as support band for his shows. In 2007, The NPG also often performed as the main act at The IndigO2 'after shows'.

 
Additional Information
See also Trivia
References
◄ NPG Orchestra All Biographies Prince Biography Cassandra O’Neal ►
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