Prince and the Purple Rain Era Studio Sessions: 1983 and 1984 by Duane Tudahl

In his book “Prince and the Purple Rain Era Studio Sessions: 1983 and 1984”, Duane Tudahl tracks the behind-the-scenes studio sessions of one of the most iconic eras of music - the early 1980s. Tudahl meticulously details the series of recording sessions and the personnel involved in each session, as well as comprehensively exploring the music produced. His book provides a thorough examination of the incredible series of albums brought to life by the Minnesota-born musician, Prince.

The book begins by taking the reader back to 1982, the time when Prince started work on his fourth album, 1999. By this time, his name was already famous. He had won two MTV Awards for his single Little Red Corvette and the movie, Purple Rain, was about to become a nationwide phenomenon.

Tudahl then examines each track from the 1999 album in detail, and looks at alternate mixes, outtakes and B-sides, as well as covers and remixes. He takes the reader on a journey through the creative process of making a song and the engineering techniques used to perfect the sound. Topics such as drum programming, keyboard sounds and multi-track recording are thoroughly explored, as well as the more human elements of the process, such as collaboration and creativity.

The next part of the book focuses on the 1984 follow-up album to 1999, Purple Rain. Tudahl again examines each track in great detail, analysing the production and the influences at play. He looks closely at the influence of Wendy & Lisa, who played keyboards and guitar on the album, as well as other members of the band such as Bobby Z and Jill Jones, and the musical styling of 'the Revolution'. Tudahl also looks at the influence of record producer David Z and engineer Peggy McCreary, both of whom helped shape the sound of the album.

The book then moves on to look at other aspects of the era, including concert performances and various side-project recordings. For instance, Tudahl looks closely at the 1985 movie Under The Cherry Moon, and the accompanying album, Parade. He takes the reader into the studio sessions for the soundtrack, as well as looking at the movies’ final production.

The book also looks at some of Prince’s other work in the '80s, such as the Black Album, Sign o’ the Times and Lovesexy. Tudahl also shines a light on some of Prince’s lesser-known efforts like The Scandalous Sex Suite and The Versace Experience.

Overall, Prince and the Purple Rain Era Studio Sessions: 1983 and 1984 is an engaging and comprehensive look at one of the 80s most iconic artist and his prolific output during that time. Tudahl details the recording process and techniques used, as well as exploring the creative influences behind Prince's work. Every aspect of Prince's music is examined with painstaking detail and supported by subtitles and original audio/video clips as well as numerous interviews. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the interpretation of Prince's music and the legacy of the purple rain era.