Eric Leeds: Prince Interview Part 1 of 4

[@darkbluebossa]

Really like his interviews because Eric acknowledges Prince's greatness, but is a very independent mind in Prince's Camp. And he is a musician :)

[@lukekylestanley4072]

Like it or not this journalist has done the absolute most thorough job in gathering the most detailed direct experiences of band members and those closest to Prince. The time and stories these people gave has been priceless and very educational in allowing listeners/fans of Prince to know things we would not have been able to know. Congrats Mike and special thanks to your guests for sharing their experiences

[@ivyvines6708]

Loved to hear Eric Leeds play with Prince's band. He always sounded great Thank you so very much for sharing Mike. This was cool.

[@built4speed101]

Real music by real musicians! It's always cool to hear the conceptual and philosophical aspects of music. Thanks to Mr. Leeds and this Prince Podcast Crew!

[@wendileona]

The conceptual and philosophical aspects of music is a given when you really truly love music AND RESPECT IT. I don't understand how there's a time when you speak and hear the conceptual and philosophical aspects of music. .::Modernaire

[@Guitarwizza1]

Great interview thus far. I loved Eric Leeds stuff with Prince because I too was into Miles,Coltrane and many others in jazz greats at that time. He and Clare Fischer had made Prince’s music 🎼 mature and sophisticated.

[@danavixen6274]

Guitarwizza1 "I'm a man of exquisite tastes." Prince Adore 1987

[@shannon2me425]

Can see why you needed so many sessions with Eric - the info he has to share is iconic!! I like that he claims his worth as a musician before Prince - but of course Prince is Prince💜great interview!

[@HypeRhymz]

I love this completely, everything he says is the balls to the wall honest recollection. He's just like his brother Allan, they have the same vibe.

[@marcuswelby921]

Eric, I have been following your career since Duquesne University(Pittsburgh). I have seen you in person live! a few times and your solo musical work is phenomenal. You have left an impression on me that no other has before. Keep on Keeping on and I look forward to your future music endeavors.

[@dudeseriously57]

Great interview wow. I love it when he said he was already defined as a musician before he met Prince. The James Brown story he told was amazing.

[@LG-kx8xl]

Prince was influenced by James Brown too. Who wasn't?!?

[@rockssolid7471]

He was defined, but still had the humility to allow Prince to influence him. I believe this is why he fit in so well: "Prince also developed into a bandleader who knew just how to push the musicians who worked with him past their capabilities, and bring things out of people that they didn’t know they could do. Eric Leeds said... I really enjoyed going in the recording studio with him. It wasn’t about whether or not the song we were working on was something I would want to go home and listen to. That’s not why I was there. I was there because he was very good at being able to reach inside you and bring things out of you that wouldn’t naturally be what I’d end up doing myself... One time, in a recording session, he told me I want you to play a solo on this song but I want you to approach it as if you just picked up the saxophone for the first day in your life. And being a huge fan of Miles Davis I related it to the same thing Miles used to tell Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter and Tony Williams. He said, I don’t pay you to play for me what you know. I pay you to play for me what you don’t know. And I would try to look at it in the same way. And those are the experiences that I treasure. " - Toure: Why Prince Became a Musical Icon, 2013

[@Star-Mac10]

Leeds was obviously one of the FEW musicians that didn't need to be schooled by P...because he "already had his Princes"...aka Miles, Coltrane etc. Bold of him to say with hat tipped all at the same time. P love

[@donqphotography]

Star Mac : U can hear the same tone in part 2. Leeds is a great interview but it almost sounds like he’s a little stuck up like a lot of jazz musicians tend to be...

[@rockssolid7471]

@blacknight39 The greatest jazz pianist was Art Tatum, the guy Oscar studied for 18 hours a day. But I love Count Basie a bit more. Very magical hearing the Count and Oscar playing piano together though. But not everyone likes jazz, classical, opera, or Louis XIV furniture design. Some prefer listening to Prince's 20 minute Purple Rain at Carrier Dome for a taste of the sublime; or even his Proud Mary Don't You Weep practice tape. By all accounts, Prince played day and night, hardly slept. "I mean now here's a dude... Hell, he's got it all! Multi-musician with a damned vengeance! As a drummer he can hold it down, you know what I'm sayin'?... As a guitar player... he puts out! Plus, he's a goddamn great piano player. Matter of fact, he's about as good as they get, and I've worked with the best, I should know!... Do you know who Prince kinda reminds me of, particularly as a piano player? Duke! Yeah. He's the Duke Ellington of the eighties to my way of thinking." Miles on Miles, Interviews and Encounters with Miles Davis. Miles loved Prince and even wanted to record with him. The Time's Jimmy Jam said Prince would have been one of the all time greats in any era. Prince was recognized by many, including Miles, as a genius; Stevie Wonder called him the emperor of pop. At age 27 when he brought Eric in, Prince had released 11 albums, won an Academy award, grammies; was Warner's youngest producer ever when signed (Brian Eno's favourite); got to produce himself because he auditioned on all the instruments; sang too... his 1st song on his 1st album was an acappella - 46 lines layered of his own vocals. "I loved him. He was a genius." - Maceo Parker, Apr 21, 2016 (twitter)

[@rockssolid7471]

Eric wasn't schooled, but was definitely influenced: "Prince also developed into a bandleader who knew just how to push the musicians who worked with him past their capabilities, and bring things out of people that they didn’t know they could do. Eric Leeds said, “This is the kinda guy who had the ability to walk in a room and instantaneously present a musical vision. He could get us together and all of a sudden realize something that was on a rarified level. I really enjoyed going in the recording studio with him. It wasn’t about whether or not the song we were working on was something I would want to go home and listen to. That’s not why I was there. I was there because he was very good at being able to reach inside you and bring things out of you that wouldn’t naturally be what I’d end up doing myself... One time, in a recording session, he told me I want you to play a solo on this song but I want you to approach it as if you just picked up the saxophone for the first day in your life. And being a huge fan of Miles Davis I related it to the same thing Miles used to tell Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter and Tony Williams. He said, I don’t pay you to play for me what you know. I pay you to play for me what you don’t know. And I would try to look at it in the same way. And those are the experiences that I treasure. " - Toure: Why Prince Became a Musical Icon, 2013

[@najinelson6742]

Listen to Leeds´own productions sponsored by Prince, he is not that good and compositions are boring. Prince made him good, with the songs of Prince eg on stage Leeds could shine.

[@cheboy]

glad that there is still a part II 2 come. maybe just maybe . . Then Eric is gonna say something nice about HIM .

[@samuelnewsome7641]

E. Leeds is real nice on that sax. Prince knew what he was doing with all of his band position placements.

[@catboyzee]

Deep interview, Eric was spiting much knowledge about the history of Black musicians and Black music. Respect...

[@tommyji891]

Eric always very down 2 earth and a pleasure 2 listen 2...

[@sandrasmith7501]

So interesting...great interview, Mike. Thank you!!

[@danavixen6274]

Madhouse and Sign o the Times! Incredible saxophonist behind this timeless music!

[@dominiqueshields1655]

Thanks I've been waiting for this one. Yes next get his brother Alan please.

[@johnarundell7951]

Every time that Alan Leeds says anything about Prince it is spot on and 100% authentic. Very wise man, and no wonder that he stayed with and worked for Prince all those years. Prince only surrounded himself with the best people :) to think that we've only got the legendary collaborations between Prince and Eric because he happened to be Alan's brother is a mind-blowing example of serendipity.

[@michaeljacksonearthangel5849]

Scott Goldfine has a great interview with Alan Leeds on his channel Truth in Rhythm 💛

[@PoeticLadychelleMusicAndMe]

Looking forward to listening 2 the rest of the interview.

[@DevinHaley1278]

Yes, I wish we could listen live...

[@legionboy1]

I think Eric Leeds is BADASS. Admired him for years. Would love to see Eric tour.

[@boldblackandbeautiful1756]

Great interview. With his unique & exquisite style of playing the saxophone, I'm surprised that Eric Leeds was never a member of Prince's NPG Horns.

[@JanelChez]

This is beyond fascinating!

[@XoXo475]

Absolutely riveting interview. Thanks Mike , I’m only just catching up with your excellent podcast!!!

[@blaseproductions1978]

Need part 2

[@OpenEyesProd]

Great interview....Eric is always on point...incredible musician and really happy he made history with Prince over the years..also he very knowledgeable about black music and culture...much respect for that

[@Anabee399]

Mike, great work as usual.

[@tinkhix]

I remember when Eric Leeds worked at WANT in Richmond. It was our only black radio station.

[@HypeRhymz]

Thanks for using my track at the intro bro. Dope interview as always!

[@thefancyray]

Very insightful and enjoyable interview!

[@cheboy]

the story´s Alan & his brother could tell about HIM ! (some Love 4 bringing this)

[@pinky8371]

Great interview with Eric Leeds.

[@jaydy71]

Very interesting interview! I never understood why Eric Leeds (especially together with Atlanta Bliss) wasn't more emulated in funk; for me Eric Leeds + Atlanta Bliss, playing with Prince at the Sign 'O' the Times and LoveSexy concerts was just the epitome of horns coolness in funk in my opinion. Way beyond what Maceo and Candy Dulfer brought to Prince's music IMHO (who I both love too). All that bebop stuff and such there was just awesome! Just listen to Rockhard in a Funky Place from the Black Album; that track wouldn't be nearly as cool without that horn arrangement.

[@scottcarroll2497]

This is great! What an abrupt ending, though. Can't wait for Part 2!

[@BEHEDETY]

thanks!

[@bigralph1]

What is the name of the song playing while you're introducing everyone in the beginning?!! I DISTINCTLY remember hearing this song back in 1990... no title, no name on the cassette, no anything to ID who it was, and I told my buddy who had the tape, "Prince had something to do with this". TODAY was the FIRST TIME I've heard that song since then... since 1990!! PLEASE, can someone tell me what the name of that song is?!!

[@mauricemeade271]

Wow! Richmond, Va? I live 15 minutes away. WANT RADIO STATION

[@yamhead33]

Eric Leeds comes to the first recording session with prince as a cyborg. Prince says here's the cassette take four days to listen and comeback. Eric " No worries. I got this. Roll tape". Lol!!!

[@accroni]

Can't find Part 2

[@dwightdavis5894]

W.O.W!

[@XoXo475]

Mike, do you ever plan on getting ahold of Wendy and Lisa for an interview or even someone like Miko Weaver , now THAT would be something! Thanks a million.

[@michaeljacksonearthangel5849]

Great interview with Lisa Coleman by Scott Goldfine on his channel Truth in Rhythm.

[@jbranden100]

I love the song Desire. My favorite. Have on repeat all the time. Remember it saying Ecstasy. I love it so much I had a 280zx back then. I wanted a personal license plate X2Z. Was talked out of it because of the drug. OMG. Wish he would have kept the name Ecstasy

[@AJSouthpaw]

Oh, yayer

[@7deepbreaths.sounds]

What about "Yes"?

[@wendileona]

Eric Leeds and I'll stick my neck out there and say it, is a more adventurous, emotionally riveting, beautifully playing players and yes, I feel better than Maceo. However, when Eric Leeds mentions Weather Report I can almost hear a collective 'HUH!?!?!" from Prince fans! I can even say that most if not all Prince fans will not go into the world of Weather Report, fusion and explore. They will not. I can almost guarantee it. In my view, I dont think most Prince fans can even handle deeper thoughts of the music and musicians and the American artists and genre's, art form, that all created what I've always referred to Prince as, the 'baby that Rock n Roll' gave birth to. It's too heavy. Too complicated and there's a sense of American pride, too much of an analysis of the history of American pop music, Jazz, Gospel, that many of Prince's fans seem to be to superficially obsessed with Prince's style and look, that it's just too much. I say this from experience from either talking to American Prince fans AND European Prince obsessives, they kind of get turned off by the discussion of American art forms in a positive light. So, a conversation with musicians that know their history, they have that brand scope, that speak like musicians when they speak with other musicians, nah. Prince fans will gloss over this. However, it's appreciated that Eric Leeds did this interview and that the PPC conducted it. .::Modernaire

[@sm26801]

If people really want to get into Prince its good to explore his influences! Weather report was listened to!

[@sm26801]

Prince was into Miles Davis and all those things!

[@aasti3000]

wendileona I freakin love Weather Report...of because I'm a bass player they had the greatest bass player in history. But Shorter and Zawinul are superb musicians in a genius aspect.

[@rockssolid7471]

Weather Report is great, but so also is Glenn Gould, Placido Domingo, Lionel Hampton and Joni Mitchell. It is not necessary to be a fan of Albert Roussel or Charlie Parker to love Prince's or anyone else's music. Music is to enjoy and support people in their lives. What I appreciate about Prince is that I can laugh with Vanity 6, and cry listening to Condition of the Heart; think about the times with Sign O the Times, and funk to We Can Funk. Prince's pop music is filled with artistry, fine musicianship and songwriting, wit, wisdom and personality; from a sublime 20 minute Purple Rain at Carrier Dome (on You Tube), to 'Hot Thing'; from 'Don't Talk to Strangers' to '777-9311', to 'When Doves Cry'; or a 'Nothing Compares 2 U' hiding in his uber commericial 'The Family' album. Maceo Parker is an absolute, bonafide legend... Eric's work with Prince will always be special and appreciated by Prince's fans.

[@plecturaproductions5816]

I agree

[@christophertracy7136]

So who's better on the Sax Eric Leeds or Candy Dulfer?! Ouch, Eric didn't like the 1999 album?!

[@plecturaproductions5816]

I can’t choose both of them so good 😊

[@timcurley2166]

Maceo Parker > Eric Leeds > Candy Dulfer

[@fermgrip371]

Cool.

[@reginaldbrownmusic8356]

Cooking and music is the same. Both I'm passionate about. Prince Forever !!!!!

[@Lmaclinmaclin]

Dopemine Rush😎😎😻

[@buddinganarchist]

He was a superhero because Prince couldn't play horns.

[@justinhayes7860]

Good stuff

[@arkantika3927]

i like leeds and all but it seems he forgot that this is a PRINCE PODCAST .. Not the Eric Leeds story.. I wish he would just get to his moments with Prince rather than tell us his entire life story and the whole history of R&B.. ugh. i'm out at 18:38.

[@peka289]

He's goin IN on Prince though 😂😯 Barely gave Prince credit smh 😕

[@musiclover-kq3yx]

Grudgingly gives credit....and then quickly undermines the sentiment a few sentences later....makes you wonder

[@craigterlino4216]

Prince not being a "jazz musician" does not take away from.his genius. Prince was inspired by jazz, utilized the right people for it, and added his unique touch to jazz guitar and fusion. Prince could not take on jazz like the greats Miles, Coltrane, Blakey, Gillespie etc. But Prince was an innovator. Helped evolve music

[@rockssolid7471]

@blacknight39 The greatest jazz pianist was Art Tatum, the guy Oscar studied for 18 hours a day. But I love Count Basie a bit more. Very magical hearing the Count and Oscar playing piano together though. But not everyone likes jazz, classical or opera, any more than some like Louis XIV furniture design. Some prefer listening to Prince's 20 minute Purple Rain at Carrier Dome for a taste of the sublime; or even his Proud Mary Don't You Weep practice tape. By all accounts, Prince played day and night, hardly slept. "I mean now here's a dude... Hell, he's got it all! Multi-musician with a damned vengeance! As a drummer he can hold it down, you know what I'm sayin'?... As a guitar player... he puts out! Plus, he's a goddamn great piano player. Matter of fact, he's about as good as they get, and I've worked with the best, I should know!... Do you know who Prince kinda reminds me of, particularly as a piano player? Duke! Yeah. He's the Duke Ellington of the eighties to my way of thinking." Miles on Miles, Interviews and Encounters with Miles Davis. A matter of personal taste of course, but I find Eric's playing on the song Madhouse 8 with P sublime; more so than his album with 24 musicians playing on it (Things Left Unsaid). I think P had more influence than some wish to admit. Eric has spoken previously about how P wanted him to play what he didn't know... something he found nearly insulting until he remembered that Miles took the same approach with his musicians. The Time's Jimmy Jam said Prince would have been one of the all time greats in any era. Prince was recognized by many, including Miles, as a genius; Stevie Wonder called him the emperor of pop.

[@plecturaproductions5816]

Yeah I detect jazz musicians are a little arrogant due to how complex the genre is , but, a big BUT, Prince was a mastermind and masterful musician because he can jump from different styles and he was daring, he was a trailblazer, he played damn near every instrument!!! So Leeds can’t be that ignorant to his genius before he met him...