Prince - Montreux Jazz Festival (Early Show)

The early show of Prince's set at the 2009 Montreux Jazz Festival was a testament to his enduring legacy as a musical icon. Taking to the stage on July 18, 2009, Prince and his band delivered a two-hour performance that showcased their remarkable musicianship and left the crowd thoroughly entranced. The evening's setlist spanned Prince's vast and eclectic discography, covering various genres and incorporating intricate instrumentation and poetic lyrics. The festival performance opened with "When Eye Lay My Hands On U," the title track from Prince's 1989 album, and a relatively lesser-known composition in his extensive repertoire. This subtle beginning signaled the unique atmosphere of the set, which was a true display of Prince's unwavering passion for music and unbridled creative spirit. By transitioning seamlessly into "Little Red Corvette," Prince catapulted the show into a frenzied and exhilarating pace that left the audience captivated. "Little Red Corvette" has long been one of Prince’s fan favorite songs and a staple of his live performances. The subsequent performance of "Somewhere Here On Earth" was a poignant reminder of the artist’s propensity for crafting melancholic and introspective ballads that often spoke directly to his devoted fan base. The melancholy of the music provided an interesting contrast to the vibrant show overall. Prince followed this melancholic moment with "When The Lights Go Down," which is one of his songs that is often featured in his live performances. Prince then transitioned into "Willing And Able," another relatively lesser-known track from his 1986 album, 'Parade.' The performance highlighted the singer's ability to draw out intricate details and complexities from his compositions, which he skillfully interpreted through his own virtuosic playing. This moment demonstrated his skill in transforming even the lesser-known songs into thrilling live performances. The setlist continued to traverse various aspects of Prince's remarkable music catalog, with highlights such as "Eye Love U, But Eye Don’t Trust U Anymore," which served as a scathing social commentary and an exploration of untrustworthy relationships. "She Spoke 2 Me," featuring a memorable horn solo, further showcased Prince's eclectic blend of rock, funk, and R&B, while also highlighting his remarkable stage presence. Throughout the show, Prince displayed his remarkable virtuosity as a multi-instrumentalist, and this was particularly showcased by the "Drum Solo By John Blackwel." The drum solo was a beautiful display of John Blackwell's incredible skill on the drums. The "Love Like Jazz" performance demonstrated Prince’s ability to blend disparate elements and styles to create something genuinely new. He skillfully wove various musical threads, resulting in a truly captivating live performance. The set continued with his classic ballads, such as "All This Love," a beautiful rendition showcasing Prince's ability to balance raw emotion and subtle tenderness. Following "Empty Room," which delivered an intense exploration of themes related to isolation and disconnection, Prince performed "Elixer," another lesser-known track from his discography. This poignant and introspective song served as a moment of reflection within the overall show, highlighting the complexity and depth of Prince's artistry. Prince next delivered an epic performance, "In A Large Room With No Light," which featured a striking fusion of rock, funk, and atmospheric elements. This mesmerizing display further cemented the set's diverse musical spectrum and served as a testament to Prince's ability to craft captivating live performances. The remainder of the show was an exercise in sonic diversity and eclecticism. A series of high-energy tracks, including "Insatiable," further showcased Prince's dynamic stage presence, with each performance drawing on a seemingly boundless well of energy. Prince's band proved to be worthy equals throughout the performance, each musician contributing uniquely to create a cohesive and thrilling overall experience. In keeping with the set's musical diversity, the subsequent performances of "Curtain Call," "Scandalous," and "The Beautiful Ones" underscored Prince's ability to effortlessly blend his musical influences and create distinctive and memorable live performances. The show concluded with a moving rendition of "Nothing Compares 2 U," an iconic song that served as a poignant tribute to the band and its audience, and ultimately sealed the Montreux Jazz Festival performance's enduring impact on music. The 2009 performance, as seen in this early show footage, reinforced Prince's reputation as a musical force to be reckoned with, and this specific performance left a lasting impression on fans in attendance and anyone listening to the show now. Prince and his band presented a remarkable blend of musical virtuosity, creative spirit, and sheer spectacle that encapsulated the singer's profound influence on music.