The unreleased 'Piano & A Microphone 1983' LP will be released in September with the blessing of the late artist's estate
A previously unreleased Prince album will finally be available to purchase in September, with today’s announcement of its forthcoming release marking what would’ve been the iconic artist’s 60th birthday.
The album, titled ‘Piano & A Microphone 1983’, has been given the green light for release by Prince’s Estate, who have announced today (June 7) that the record will be released by Warner Bros. Records.
As the title suggests, ‘Piano & A Microphone 1983’ was recorded by Prince in 1983, and consists of nine intimate home recordings Prince made at the piano. The album was recorded at Prince’s Kiowa Trail home studio in Chanhassen, Minnesota, and was engineered by Don Batts.
The tracklist – which you can see below – includes a cover of Joni Mitchell’s ‘A Case Of You’, as well as early versions of ‘Purple Rain’, ’17 Days’ and ‘Strange Relationship’. A version of the 19th century spiritual ‘Mary Don’t You Weep’ is also included, with that song set to be featured on the soundtrack of Spike Lee’s upcoming film BlacKkKlansman.
Mary Don’t You Weep – Piano & A Microphone 1983 Version
Mary Don’t You Weep – Piano & A Microphone 1983 Version, a song by Prince on Spotify
‘Piano & A Microphone 1983’ Tracklist
1. 17 Days
2. Purple Rain
3. A Case Of You
4. Mary Don’t You Weep
5. Strange Relationship
6. International Lover
7. Wednesday
8. Cold Coffee & Cocaine
9. Why The Butterflies
The album – which will be released on September 21 – is available to pre-order now on CD, LP, Deluxe CD+LP, digital release and pre-save for streaming.
Speaking about the new release, the Prince Estate’s entertainment adviser Troy Carter said: “This raw, intimate recording, which took place at the start of Prince’s career right before he achieved international stardom, is similar in format to the Piano & A Microphone Tour that he ended his career within 2016.
“The Estate is excited to be able to give fans a glimpse of his evolution and show how his career ultimately came full circle with just him and his piano.”
Earlier this week, a fresh copy of Prince’s rare ‘The Black Album’ surfaced in Canada.
The post Prince’s 60th birthday has been marked with a new album announcement appeared first on NME.
