Lassiter’s track record of top-tier compositions and arrangements, coupled with his virtuoso trumpet playing, has earned him gigs—notably as an arranger and brass section leader for Prince and the New Power Generation—as well as collaborations with Kirk Franklin, Ariana Grande, Timbaland, Roberta Flack, and many others. "Raw in Amsterdam" expands his scope, showcasing Lassiter as a frontman and songwriter in this brand-new collection of 12 songs.

One of the fans’ favorite songs, taken from “Live in Love,” Lassiter’s 2021 studio album, “Repent” allows Bernarr to bring a dazzling, James Brown-esque personal touch to the lyrics originally recorded by Mackenzie, the Los Angeles-based singer. Filled with brass lines and energetic vocals, the tight ensemble takes center stage before launching into deft solos by Lassiter and Dulfer. Bernarr recently performed on NPR’s Tiny Desk and was named one of Billboard’s “Artists to Watch” for 2019. Her loud and proud stage presence complements Lassiter’s songwriting and arranging skills, allowing him and guest saxophonist Candy Dulfer to shine throughout this funk-fueled track.

Lassiter enlisted another of Prince’s collaborators, Candy Dulfer, for the tribute titled “Purple.” Lassiter first met Prince in 2010, when he auditioned to become his brass arranger and section leader, and landed the gig to perform with the New Power Generation. Like many collaborators of the late master of the genre, Lassiter was inspired by Prince’s work ethic and his dedication to experimentation. With its driving quarter-note groove and syncopated guitar and bass lines, Lassiter leads a 15-piece ensemble in this live recording that embodies the spirit of Prince. Punctuated, cry-like horn melodies interplay with layered vocal harmonies before an assertive horn solo launches into a series of deliberate solos performed by Jordy Kalfsvel on keyboards and Lassiter on trumpet, culminating in a powerful, extended solo by Dulfer on alto saxophone. Although Lassiter and Dulfer never played with Prince at the same time (she was part of his band during the 2003–2005 Musicology era), the two reconnected when Lassiter moved to the Netherlands two years ago and have been collaborating ever since.

“Bump the Man” originally appeared on Lassiter’s 2018 album *Party Crashers*. The track carries a message of “standing up to authority” that emphasizes hope and a positive mindset. It features flamboyant brass, a soulful vocal, and another stunning vocal appearance by Durand Bernarr, as well as an unexpected Latin touch that emerges from the metamorphic pre-chorus, which pays homage to the Beatles’ psychedelic era. Dutch percussion legend Martin Verdonk also features throughout the track.

A group of six musicians – Lineup:
Philip Lassiter – keyboards/trumpet/vocals
Niek De Bruin – drums
Glenn Gaddum – bass
Richie Reichgelt – guitar
Jordy Kalfsvel – keyboards
Josje Rojer – vocals

Can be expanded to a group of 23 musicians.