The Prince estate has officially released the raw, original recording of the track “Calabama,” providing fans with an opportunity to hear the song as it existed before the addition of horn arrangements. This move follows public discourse from critics and listeners who questioned the decision to alter the track for its inclusion on the Timeless album.
The newly released four-track Calabama EP, issued via NPG Records, serves as a direct response to those who sought a more authentic representation of the late artist’s work. According to the estate, “Calabama” was the only song on the Timeless collection that featured post-production musical additions, making this raw release a significant gesture toward transparency regarding the vault material.
Prince originally recorded the song at Paisley Park on January 21, 2003, featuring John Blackwell on drums. The version previously released on Timeless included horn parts contributed by Greg Boyer, Adrian Crutchfield, and Lynn Grissett. By pairing the original recording with the album mix, the estate is inviting fans to engage in the ongoing debate surrounding vault releases: how much intervention is appropriate when curating music left behind by a legendary creator?
The EP also includes two previously unheard recordings of “Prince And The Band.” The second of these recordings, dated August 22, 2006, features notable performances by Maceo Parker on saxophone, Ray Monteiro on trumpet, and Greg Boyer on trombone.
Timeless, which arrived on August 28, offers a comprehensive look at the artist’s archives, spanning recordings from 1977 to 2016. The collection features a diverse range of material, from early studio sessions at Sound 80 in Minneapolis to a 2016 concert performance at Oakland’s Oracle Arena. Producer Chris James, who previously collaborated with the artist on the 2012 track “Bestest Friend,” handled the mixing and mastering for the collection.
Looking ahead, the estate has indicated plans to provide further access to untouched vault recordings, with a program for listening sessions at Paisley Park scheduled for 2027.
