The Grand Progression: Difference between revisions

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|previous song            = [[Song: Grand Central|Grand Central]]
|previous song            = [[Song: Grand Central|Grand Central]]
|next song                = [[The Greatest Romance Ever Sold]]
|next song                = [[The Greatest Romance Ever Sold]]
|introduction              = '''The Grand Progression''' is an unreleased track, likely recorded in Summer 1987 at [[Paisley Park Studios]] in Chanhassen, Minnesota. The song is thought to have been written specifically for the [[Film: Graffiti Bridge|Graffiti Bridge]] movie, and the song was mentioned in the initial script, dated [[Prince_Vault:Selected_anniversaries/September 22|22 September 1987]]. The title refers to a central theme of the original script for the movie; a search for "the grand progression" of "17 chords, all originating from the A-flat", which would make the graffiti bridge of the movie appear. In the original script, the song was performed by [[Prince]]'s character "Camille", and was directed to the character "Ruthie Washington" (who [[Prince]] hoped would be played by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madonna_(entertainer) Madonna]).
|introduction              = '''The Grand Progression''' is an unreleased track, likely recorded in Summer 1987 at [[Paisley Park Studios]] in Chanhassen, Minnesota. The song is thought to have been written specifically for the [[Film: Graffiti Bridge|Graffiti Bridge]] movie, and the song was mentioned in the initial script, dated [[Prince_Vault:Selected_anniversaries/September 22|22 September 1987]]. The title refers to a central theme of the original script for the movie; a search for "the grand progression" of "17 chords, all originating from the A-flat", which would make the graffiti bridge of the movie appear. In the original script, the song was performed by [[Prince]]’s character "Camille", and was directed to the character "Ruthie Washington" (who [[Prince]] hoped would be played by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madonna_(entertainer) Madonna]).


It was included as the ninth track on the [[Prince_Vault:Selected_anniversaries/September 25|25 September 1988]] configuration of the [[Album: Graffiti Bridge|Graffiti Bridge]] album. [[Michael B.]] recorded drum overdubs on the track in late 1989, during his first session working with [[Prince]], and this later version was included as the twelfth track on a late 1989 configuration of the album, but the song was replaced by [[Still Would Stand All Time]] as the album and movie underwent further changes (perhaps because the movie is quite spiritual in nature, and some of the lyrics of '''The Grand Progression''' question God's existence).  
It was included as the ninth track on the [[Prince_Vault:Selected_anniversaries/September 25|25 September 1988]] configuration of the [[Album: Graffiti Bridge|Graffiti Bridge]] album. [[Michael B.]] recorded drum overdubs on the track in late 1989, during his first session working with [[Prince]], and this later version was included as the twelfth track on a late 1989 configuration of the album, but the song was replaced by [[Still Would Stand All Time]] as the album and movie underwent further changes (perhaps because the movie is quite spiritual in nature, and some of the lyrics of '''The Grand Progression''' question God’s existence).  


The song remains unreleased, although [[Prince]] has referred to the desire to find "the grand progression" in interviews. [[We Got The Power]] contains the lyric "is the progression grand?", and [[F.U.N.K.]] features the spoken vocals "well, it may not be the grand progression, but it sure is funky".
The song remains unreleased, although [[Prince]] has referred to the desire to find "the grand progression" in interviews. [[We Got The Power]] contains the lyric "is the progression grand?", and [[F.U.N.K.]] features the spoken vocals "well, it may not be the grand progression, but it sure is funky".
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|date                      = Summer 1987
|date                      = Summer 1987
|studio                  = [[Paisley Park Studios]],<br>Chanhassen, MN, USA
|studio                  = [[Paisley Park Studios]],<br>Chanhassen, MN, USA
|additional info          = Basic tracking
|additional info          = Tracking
}}
}}
{{RecordingLine|
{{RecordingLine|

Revision as of 20:37, 20 August 2021

Grand Central   < < < Non-Prince Songs All Prince Songs Unreleased Songs > > >   The Greatest Romance Ever Sold
The Grand Progression
Song details
Performer: Prince
Writer(s): Prince (assumed)
Producer(s): Prince (assumed)
Live Appearances
First and last live appearance:
  • This track is not believed to have been performed live by Prince.
Performed regularly on tour:
  • none
Performed occasionally in shows:
  • none

The Grand Progression is an unreleased track, likely recorded in Summer 1987 at Paisley Park Studios in Chanhassen, Minnesota. The song is thought to have been written specifically for the Graffiti Bridge movie, and the song was mentioned in the initial script, dated 22 September 1987. The title refers to a central theme of the original script for the movie; a search for "the grand progression" of "17 chords, all originating from the A-flat", which would make the graffiti bridge of the movie appear. In the original script, the song was performed by Prince’s character "Camille", and was directed to the character "Ruthie Washington" (who Prince hoped would be played by Madonna).

It was included as the ninth track on the 25 September 1988 configuration of the Graffiti Bridge album. Michael B. recorded drum overdubs on the track in late 1989, during his first session working with Prince, and this later version was included as the twelfth track on a late 1989 configuration of the album, but the song was replaced by Still Would Stand All Time as the album and movie underwent further changes (perhaps because the movie is quite spiritual in nature, and some of the lyrics of The Grand Progression question God’s existence).

The song remains unreleased, although Prince has referred to the desire to find "the grand progression" in interviews. We Got The Power contains the lyric "is the progression grand?", and F.U.N.K. features the spoken vocals "well, it may not be the grand progression, but it sure is funky".


Recording Information
Recording Sessions
Date Studio Additional info
Summer 1987 Paisley Park Studios,
Chanhassen, MN, USA 		Tracking
Late 1989 Paisley Park Studios,
Chanhassen, MN, USA 		Drum overdubs by Michael B.
Recording Personnel

1987 version

  • Prince - all vocals and instruments (assumed)

1989 version

  • Prince - all vocals and instruments, except where noted (assumed)
  • Michael B. - drums

Versions
Unreleased Versions
Title Version Additional Info
The Grand Progression Studio Recorded Autumn, 1987
The Grand Progression Studio Late 1989 version after drum overdubs


 
Additional Information
See also Trivia
References
Grand Central   < < < All Songs Unreleased Songs > > >   The Greatest Romance Ever Sold
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