Episodes

  • In part 2 of our interview with former Art Director Steve Parke, we discuss the first Paisley Park Celebration in 2000, magic moments and opportunities beyond his wildest dreams, but also a parting of the ways after 13 years. Essential listening.

    In part 2 of our interview with former Art Director Steve Parke, we discuss the first Paisley Park Celebration in 2000, magic moments and opportunities beyond his wildest dreams, but also a parting of the ways after 13 years. Essential listening.
    Dec 22 2024

    PART 2

    2mins30s - The Paisley Park studios summer music festival 'Celebration' in 2000

    7mins - Prince having extraordinary vision, and being the hardest working person in the building.

    10mins - Prince asks Steve very personal Qs, on naming his son and his spirituality...

    13mins30s - A Jeep or a BMW??

    14mins - A very magical moment with Prince...

    18mins30s - Acoustic Prince

    19mins45s - The recording of One Nite Alone, hearing the grand piano...and doves in the atrium...

    22mins - Photographing Prince in the open air and countryside of Minneapolis

    26mins - A moment of realisation, and a parting of the ways after 13 years...

    34mins - The human toll of a long career... Steve's observations.

    38mins - Celebration #1: family members stop by at a dance party at Paisley Park...?

    39mins30s - Jellybean Johnson being supportive...and being inspired by a cousin's hairstyle...

    42mins30s - Prince: ICON photo exhibition and book, how it all came together

    48mins30s - What does Steve think Prince's lasting legacy will be?

    50mins - Having a unique segment of time, that wasn't purely about 'the music'...and opportunities beyond your wildest dreams.

    52mins - 'He believed in people and pushed you beyond what you thought you could do for yourself...'

    53mins30s - Cancel culture and public figures. 'Having a perspective on someone's entire life is important...'

    58mins - The Prince Estate - projects past and present...

    How Can U Just Leave Me Standing? In Search of Prince... is produced and arranged by Sam J. Bleazard - but couldn't exist without the fabulous contribution from all of our guests!

    The show also features significant original music compositions from Gavin Calder.

    LINKS

    Please follow me on Instagram and Facebook if you'd like to interact with the show on social media.

    Email me at: bleazas@hotmail.com if you have any ideas for future episodes, or if you'd like to share any feedback on the show.

    #prince4ever #love4oneanother
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    1 hr
  • We talk to Steve Parke, who for 13 years was Prince's Art Director at Paisley Park. Fulfilling all of his boyhood dreams required tenacity, imagination and always thinking on his feet.

    We talk to Steve Parke, who for 13 years was Prince's Art Director at Paisley Park. Fulfilling all of his boyhood dreams required tenacity, imagination and always thinking on his feet.
    Dec 14 2024

    INTRO

    2mins30secs - how do you get from being a teenager on the school bus with your friends, with dreams of rock stars, to actually being at Paisley Park working as Art Director for Prince?

    7mins - Coming up with a set design in 3 hours!

    9mins30s - Coming full circle with Prince's best friend at High School, Andre Cymone...

    11mins30s - Lovesexy t-shirt made in a hotel room - but how to get Prince's likeness...??

    14mins - Three different Princes...? '...he could be tough with the musicians...'

    17mins - "He expected so much more from himself..."

    18mins - Being brought out to work on The Gold Experience, and 'being thrown right into the fire'

    19mins - Working 120 hours a week...and being asked to move out to Minneapolis. Then saying no!

    23mins - Coping mechanisms. 'I think everyone's relationship with him was different...'

    25mins - ...how Prince motivated Steve, and swapping music with your idol.

    33mins30s - Next assignment - being flown to Birmingham to paint Prince's eyes, having no passport in London and Graffiti Bridge...

    38mins - Re-doing the artwork and Salvador Dali ideas...

    43mins - Support networks in Paisley Park...'it was like a big family...'

    How Can U Just Leave Me Standing? In Search of Prince... is produced and arranged by Sam J. Bleazard - but couldn't exist without the fabulous contribution from all of our guests!

    The show also features significant original music compositions from Gavin Calder.

    LINKS

    Please follow me on Instagram and Facebook if you'd like to interact with the show on social media.

    Email me at: bleazas@hotmail.com if you have any ideas for future episodes, or if you'd like to share any feedback on the show.

    #prince4ever #love4oneanother
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    48 mins
  • In part 2 we talk to Omar about the ownership of his work and masters, his many creative outlets, the resurgence of vinyl, being a vessel for music, spirituality and carrying the torch for a new generation.

    In part 2 we talk to Omar about the ownership of his work and masters, his many creative outlets, the resurgence of vinyl, being a vessel for music, spirituality and carrying the torch for a new generation.
    Nov 27 2024

    In part 2 - we talk to Omar about the ownership of his work and masters, his many creative outlets, the resurgence of vinyl, being a vessel for music, spirituality and carrying the torch for a new generation.

    2mins - Ownership of master tapes and adapting to the music industry as is now

    5mins - Playing smaller venues, and keeping connected to communities... "where Prince was doing his after parties - that was where I was doing my gigs..."

    7mins - Dabbling in acting, starring in BBC1s EastEnders and additional creative outlets

    8mins30s - Writing for other people... Should've Known Better by Mica Paris

    9mins - Collaborations with other artists - Leon Ware; Lamont Dozier; Syreeta Wright; Common; Erykah Badu; Kele Le Roc; Terri Walker; Angie Stone

    9mins45s - Working with his brother Scratch Professor

    11mins - Re-releasing earlier albums on vinyl?

    13mins - Other things Omar wants to achieve, and live vs the studio

    15mins30s - Favourite Stevie Wonder moments musically...Venue Fly Trap and The Bug

    16mins30s - New album on limited vinyl - with monthly releases in 2025

    18mins30s - Back in the US on tour for the first time in many years...but also seeing precious family members

    20mins - Being a vessel for music...as a spiritual thing?

    22mins - Testing songs out on the radio, Little Boy?

    23mins - Re-recording an anthem...There's Nothing Like This...

    26mins - Making parents proud and emerging talents on the scene...

    28mins - Surviving the lockdown, earning money, and a new relationship with social media

    29mins30s - Streaming live performances, and working on various projects

    30mins30s - Passing the artistic baton on...

    How Can U Just Leave Me Standing? In Search of Prince... is produced and arranged by Sam J. Bleazard - but couldn't exist without the fabulous contribution from all of our guests!

    The show also features significant original music compositions from Gavin Calder.

    LINKS

    Please follow me on Instagram and Facebook if you'd like to interact with the show on social media.

    Email me at: bleazas@hotmail.com if you have any ideas for future episodes, or if you'd like to share any feedback on the show.

    #prince4ever #love4oneanother
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    33 mins
  • There's nothing like talking to Omar about Prince and his idol Stevie Wonder. In part 1 we discuss being hailed as a musical prodigy, influences, collaborators and the creative process. Not to be missed.

    There's nothing like talking to Omar about Prince and his idol Stevie Wonder. In part 1 we discuss being hailed as a musical prodigy, influences, collaborators and the creative process. Not to be missed.
    Nov 19 2024

    INTRO

    2mins - Learning his craft as a child, and a musical education, culminating at The Guildhall School of Music.

    3mins - Always being comfortable with music as a craft...and having to choose over football.

    4mins - First Omar composition...at 14?

    5mins30s - Scholarship vs a record deal...

    6mins - Music theory vs feel...

    7mins - Things Omar's Dad taught him about music.

    8mins30s - The Talkin' Loud Acid Jazz scene in London in the early 90s

    10mins - Having longevity

    11mins30s - Maintaining a unique sound...and a new album - Omar's 9th

    14mins - Not feeling burdened by the musical prodigy tag

    15mins - Influences, Ohio Players, family and the music that shaped Omar.

    15mins30s - learning Level 42 bass lines as a teenager

    16mins - Collaborating with legends in the music business...

    18mins - Hanging out with Stevie Wonder in London

    20mins - Favourite Prince tracks

    22mins - Best By Far?

    23mins - Orchestral sounds, Philly Soul and peer respect

    27mins - not courting the mainstream

    How Can U Just Leave Me Standing? In Search of Prince... is produced and arranged by Sam J. Bleazard - but couldn't exist without the fabulous contribution from all of our guests!

    The show also features significant original music compositions from Gavin Calder.

    LINKS

    Please follow me on Instagram and Facebook if you'd like to interact with the show on social media.

    Email me at: bleazas@hotmail.com if you have any ideas for future episodes, or if you'd like to share any feedback on the show.

    #prince4ever #love4oneanother
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    30 mins
  • Charles 'Chazz' Smith shares memories of High School years in Minneapolis, band battles, talent shows, parental advice and the influence of his cousin Prince growing up.

    Charles 'Chazz' Smith shares memories of High School years in Minneapolis, band battles, talent shows, parental advice and the influence of his cousin Prince growing up.
    Oct 23 2024

    INTRO to Charles

    1mins30s - Reflections on Lincoln Junior High School, with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis

    2mins - Knocking on local doors in the neighbourhood just to listen

    3mins - Hanging out in Sonny T's basement, and studying him

    3mins30s - The MPLS drum beat: did Charles teach Prince? And influences...

    4mins45s - MPLS fashions for young teens, dressing like Carlos Santana

    5mins30s - Local schoolfriend Andre, starts out on saxophone, but is asked to play bass...

    6mins30s - Having the same confidence of Prince

    7mins - Getting the drum set in the bedroom

    7mins45s - ...going to Seventh Day Adventist Church, but also Allstar Wrestling!

    9mins - Going to the Sly & The Family show in MPLS

    11mins - Prince's report cards and high school talent show notes!

    13mins - The roots of the tree

    13mins30s - Prince always wanted to be a 'badass musician'

    14mins30s - Going to Prince's Dad's house - being immaculate and coming from a military background

    15mins - everything matched, everything was hung up, everything was in order...

    16mins- Prince's Mum had fur on the floor...and he turned out just like her.

    16mins30s - Military fathers, Prince's Dad and complicated music

    17mins45s - You let John play... and 2 different versions of The Horse With No Name

    19mins - Jerry Hubbard, the bass player in The Time (in Purple Rain)

    20mins - Family gatherings in the late 1960s and early 1970s at Charles Aunt Mary's house, staring at the organ

    22mins - Charles Facebook post: Prince's school report in 1967

    23mins30s - Charles Grandmother tells him that Prince is going to do something really special

    25mins - He was on my band, I was playing and singing on the Delphonics... high voiced singing. Masculinity and dignity...

    26mins - Prince becoming famous worldwide, 'he was built for it'

    28mins - "You be you"

    30mins - "While you were runnin' around chasing women, Prince was recording..."

    31mins - "I used to go to jam sessions and bury dudes! Because of Prince..."

    How Can U Just Leave Me Standing? In Search of Prince... is produced and arranged by Sam J. Bleazard - but couldn't exist without the fabulous contribution from all of our guests!

    The show also features significant original music compositions from Gavin Calder.

    LINKS

    Please follow me on Instagram and Facebook if you'd like to interact with the show on social media.

    Email me at: bleazas@hotmail.com if you have any ideas for future episodes, or if you'd like to share any feedback on the show.

    #prince4ever #love4oneanother
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    34 mins
  • In part 2 we talk chemistry and spiritual connection, touring the US with Prince as her guitar player. Lost album Milk & Honey, an enduring friendship and exciting plans for 2024 and beyond. "I'm not gonna wait on The Estate..." she tells us.

    In part 2 we talk chemistry and spiritual connection, touring the US with Prince as her guitar player. Lost album Milk & Honey, an enduring friendship and exciting plans for 2024 and beyond. "I'm not gonna wait on The Estate..." she tells us.
    May 5 2024

    INTRO

    2mins30secs - Tamar's chemistry with Prince

    'It was like a student following a teacher...[but] you can't work with that kind of greatness and take mediocre...'

    6mins30s - Prince going on tour with Tamar, playing guitar on her U.S. shows

    7mins45s - Will we ever get to hear her album 'Milk & Honey'? Her collaborative project with Prince.

    8mins30s - "I'm not gonna wait on The Estate..."

    9mins30s - Why did Tamar stop working with Prince? "...you're taking my fans... he started to get competitive..."

    11mins30s - Mum designing tour costumes, for Tamar and the Twins on Saturday Night Live and other shows. 'I helped choose the fabric!'

    12mins30s - Sharing a faith with Prince...and why it was destiny to meet him in that era.

    15mins - Keeping in contact, and communications with Prince after they stopped working together. 'We were still the best of friends...'

    17mins45s - Ashley remembers where she was when she found out that Prince had passed away. 'I just pulled over, and I cried...'

    20mins - New projects coming up in 2024, working with Stewart Copeland from The Police, and the importance of an artist maintaining mystery.

    23mins - Hoping that Sting will one day hear her singing 'Every Breath You Take' with a 48-piece orchestra.

    How Can U Just Leave Me Standing? In Search of Prince... is produced and arranged by Sam J. Bleazard - but couldn't exist without the fabulous contribution from all of our guests!

    The show also features significant original music compositions from Gavin Calder.

    LINKS

    Please follow me on Instagram and Facebook if you'd like to interact with the show on social media.

    Email me at: bleazas@hotmail.com if you have any ideas for future episodes, or if you'd like to share any feedback on the show.

    #prince4ever #love4oneanother
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    24 mins
  • Ashley Tamar Davis is a Grammy nominated Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Educator, Mentor and Entrepreneur. And her life was forever changed by Prince. This is her story.

    Ashley Tamar Davis is a Grammy nominated Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Educator, Mentor and Entrepreneur. And her life was forever changed by Prince. This is her story.
    Apr 12 2024

    INTRO - Just coming back in late from London, and Houston...

    3mins - the elevator pitch on Tamar, '...how would you describe yourself?'

    4mins30s - Finding your tribe online

    5mins - Tamar's passion as an educator

    7mins - Were your parents or your family musical? Where did you inherit your talent from?

    8mins - The original line up for Destiny's Child...but guess how many members?

    9mins - How did the group come together originally?

    9min30s - Wrestling with contracts inside girl groups, who has the last say, and the lack of longevity...due to the focus on image.

    10mins30s - Working with Prince after graduating from College in her early 20s...after being on tour with Lee Ritenour, Beyonce, Missy Elliot and Alicia Keys

    12mins - Somewhere Over The Rainbow in the mid 90s: Morris Hayes listens to a demo...and Tamar is flown with her Mum to record at Paisley Park.

    14mins - Reflections on being in the music and entertainment industries at such an early age...

    15mins - "Everything is negotiable...", how Tamar feels now about the 'business mind'.

    16mins - Learning from Prince - '...everything that's happening now, he taught me...'

    19mins30s - What were the first projects you worked on with Prince? And how did it come about?

    20mins30s - Walking into Burbank Studios, with Sheila E...'a big test' while rehearsing for the NAACP Image Awards

    22mins - "I just never had time to recognise it...but one of the biggest legends of all time saw something in me..."

    How Can U Just Leave Me Standing? In Search of Prince... is produced and arranged by Sam J. Bleazard - but couldn't exist without the fabulous contribution from all of our guests!

    The show also features significant original music compositions from Gavin Calder.

    LINKS

    Please follow me on Instagram and Facebook if you'd like to interact with the show on social media.

    Email me at: bleazas@hotmail.com if you have any ideas for future episodes, or if you'd like to share any feedback on the show.

    #prince4ever #love4oneanother
    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • In part 2 we field fan Qs to Owen, he reflects on Prince's demands in the early days, and working with other MPLS artists. Meeting fans on his recent book tour and his feeling on the Purple One's incredible legacy. Essential listening.

    In part 2 we field fan Qs to Owen, he reflects on Prince's demands in the early days, and working with other MPLS artists. Meeting fans on his recent book tour and his feeling on the Purple One's incredible legacy. Essential listening.
    Mar 29 2024

    INTRO

    2mins - Fan Questions: what happened at the Rio in Las Vegas?

    3mins30s - Early, and unreasonable demands from Prince. Mentors and moving on without malice...

    6mins30s - What was it like managing other artists vs managing Prince? Working with Andre Cymone and Jesse Johnson.

    9mins30s - Working with the Prince Estate on a potential 'For You' Deluxe edition, Owen shares his view.

    10mins30s - Keeping a diary and creating an archive since his earliest experiences in the music industry.

    11mins30s - Tapes Prince cut at Owen's house in the late 1970s.

    12mins - Getting Prince's music out to young people now, the importance of sharing with a new generation who weren't born during Prince's heyday.

    15mins30s - The transformational effect Prince is still having on current fans of his music, reflections from Owen's recent book tour.

    18mins - How did Prince lay down tracks in the early days? And an early test for Prince with Warner Bros, to see 'if he could really do it'.

    21mins - Prince rejects the chance to work with Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire (on his first album). "I'm attempting to do something new..."

    22mins30s - Jamming with Prince (briefly) in an LA basement back in the day...

    24mins30s - "Just pay attention to the energy coming out of the socket..."

    26mins - How Owen felt at Prince's passing and his view on the success of Prince's life. "I did not want him to become isolated..." "I think Prince turned himself inside out to give us his gift. A lot of artists do it..."

    30mins30s - Getting blown away by Prince in concert at the LA Forum. "He had gone from a guy in a band, to a frontman, he had completely transformed into something beyond what I thought he could be."

    32mins - "Selfishly speaking....I kind of said to myself, yeah your instincts were right Owen..!"

    33mins30s - The unexplainable magic of Prince, and A Sly Stone story...

    How Can U Just Leave Me Standing? In Search of Prince... is produced and arranged by Sam J. Bleazard - but couldn't exist without the fabulous contribution from all of our guests!

    The show also features significant original music compositions from Gavin Calder.

    LINKS

    Please follow me on Instagram and Facebook if you'd like to interact with the show on social media.

    Email me at: bleazas@hotmail.com if you have any ideas for future episodes, or if you'd like to share any feedback on the show.

    #prince4ever #love4oneanother
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    38 mins