94 EAST / PRINCE - Dance to the Music of the World

Formed in December 1975 by Pepé Willie Willie (the former husband of Prince's cousin), 94 East was the Minneapolis-based funk group in which Prince first came to prominence. Willie was a key player in launching Prince's career, spotting his many talents and quickly enlisting the young maestro into 94 East (named after Interstate 94 in Minneapolis). These earliest known recordings made with 94 East were recorded between December 1975 and February 1979, with Prince contributing electric guitar, guitars, bass, keyboards, synths, organ, drums, harmony and backing vocals and he is clearly heard on every track. Newly remastered and restored from Pepé Willie Willie's original tapes by Nick Robbins at Sound Mastering in London. The LP edition is available on either black or purple vinyl. Additionally, there is also an expanded CD edition that brings together 13 tracks and includes a photo-laden booklet with informative sleeve notes. A must for all fans of the Minneapolis sound and an appreciation of one the city's greatest musical sons. "What makes these recordings particularly special is that they reflect an important element in the development of the 'Minneapolis Sound' - a phenomenon brought to the world's attention by the emergence of Prince. And the outstanding contributions that Prince bought to these recordings are testimony to his phenomenal, precocious abilities at such a young age. " PEPE WILLIE, founder 94 East