Jesse Johnson: self taught guitarist, composer, producer and funky genius. The flyest brother to rock a pink suit. Ever. Johnson, a guitarist for the ’80s group The Time (now known as The Original 7ven) left the group after the Ice Cream Castles LP, and in 1985 released his first solo project: Jesse Johnson’s Revue. The album produced three top-ten singles including “Be Your Man“; which features that unforgettable bass line.  Johnson went on to release other solo projects as well as contribute to the soundtracks of well-known movies such as The Breakfast Club, Pretty In Pink  and 48 Hours. Johnson also wrote and produced, “Nights Like This“, a favorite from The Five Heartbeats Soundtrack. Johnson’s latest solo endeavor is Verbal Penetration, Volume I & II  and of course he’s a part of The Original 7ven’s new project, Condensate, available at Best Buy stores now.

Jesse Johnson is one bad “shutyomouth”. Check out the following video, courtesy of Dr. Funkenberry.

Not only is “The Walk” a great song musically, but an entertaining one as well. Especially with the conversation between Morris and “Grace”. “Do you always keep lingerie in your glove compartment? None of my women wear gloves.”

Good thing I didn’t know what this song was about back in the day, or my mother wouldn’t have let me listen to it. Or, maybe that’s why she let me listen to it.  Oh wait I know, my mom and dad (whose name is Jerome) loved this music too! LOL!

“Get a little satisfaction…”

Last night, the legendary Minneapolis band, The Time took to their Twitter page and answered a few engaging questions from their followers with a special guest, Jerome Benton . Celebrating their 30^th anniversary as the coolest band who ever hit the stage, it’s great to see Morris, Jimmy, Terry, Jesse, Jerome, Jellybean, and Monte all together as the incredibly talented group who brought us hits like “777-9311”, “Jungle Love” and one of my  pimpolicious favorites “Release It”.  If you missed it, catch some of the tweets from last night and be sure to keep up with The Time on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace or their official website www.theoriginaltimeband.com.

Day, Harris, Johnson, Lewis, Benton, Moir, and Johnson – The coldest mix since ice cubes met the glass!

-The Time

All I can say to that mix is…………..Yeeeessss!!! (more…)

Man this feels great even 20 some odd years later. File under: music!

The snow is gone, the roads are clearing so come out and enjoy a great show from the one and only Jesse Johnson! Get your tickets here.

If you’ve been longing for complete albums: conceptually, thematically & musically that take you places, look no further than Jesse Johnson’s Verbal Penetration, Vol. 1 & 2.

Prince, Morris Day & The Time, Jesse Johnson’s Revue, Shockedelica and the whole signature of the Minneapolis sound, yes, that Jesse Johnson. The album dropped late last year, but as with all good music, it’s never too late to get up on it and you’ll hear something new with each spin. Check back for a more in-depth review, but for now, bow down to the skills and enjoy one of my favorites, Merciful.

Be sure to catch him tonight with an interview and performance on Jamie Foxx’s FoxxHole Live at The Congo Room in L.A.! Show airs via Sirus Radio 106 & XM Radio 149 – 9pm PST/12am EST!

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