NPG Records Released Four-Track Calabama EP
The new digital EP features original, untouched vault recordings from Prince's Paisley Park archives.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in R&B
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NPG Records has released a four-track digital EP titled Calabama, which includes an original, unadorned version of the title track. This release specifically provides fans with the opportunity to hear the song without the posthumously added horn parts found on the previously released Timeless album.
Why it matters
The release addresses significant listener interest in hearing Prince's original vault recordings exactly as they were captured in the studio. It highlights the estate's ongoing effort to provide transparency regarding posthumous edits to archival material.
The Timeless album previously debuted at No. 59 on the Billboard 200 and reached No. 5 on Billboard's Top R&B Albums chart. The new EP includes two distinct versions of the track Prince And The Band.
The players
Prince
Prince was a prolific singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who recorded extensively at his Paisley Park complex.
NPG Records
NPG Records is the estate-managed record label responsible for overseeing the archival releases of Prince's music catalog.
John Blackwell
John Blackwell was a renowned drummer who served as a longtime collaborator with Prince during his time at Paisley Park.
The details
The title track was originally recorded by Prince with drummer John Blackwell at Paisley Park on January 21, 2003. This digital EP also features an archival recording of Prince And The Band, titled Vault Raw 2, which was tracked on August 22, 2006.
Timeline
January 21, 2003: The original Calabama track was recorded at Paisley Park.
August 22, 2006: Prince And The Band (Vault Raw 2) was recorded.
2016: Prince passed away.
August 28, 2026: The Timeless album was released.
October 9, 2026: The Calabama EP was officially released.
Industry Dynamics
This release reflects the broader music industry trend of leveraging deep-catalog archival assets to maintain fan engagement long after an artist's death. It demonstrates a strategic shift toward transparency in production by offering both raw vault tapes and commercially polished album versions.
Listeners can now access these archival tracks directly via digital streaming services, bypassing the need for physical media. This allows fans to compare the original studio recordings against the versions that appeared on the commercial Timeless release.
The takeaway
The release offers fans a rare look at the raw creative process behind Prince's studio output. Implementing this approach provides listeners with a more authentic connection to the artist's original work compared to post-produced posthumous albums.
What happens next
Selected untouched vault recordings are scheduled to be made available for listening sessions at Paisley Park in 2027.
Further reading
Discover more archival developments in the R&B section.
More information
Listen to the tracks or learn more at the Prince official release page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by EURweb.
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