The Time Members, Gear & Sound

US pop/funk band, aka “The Original 7ven”

Genre

Rock Electro Funk rock Urban contemporary Funk Quiet Storm Post-disco New jack swing Punk Soul minneapolis sound synth funk

Members

Select a The Time band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.

Jesse Johnson

Roles:

Guitarist Composer

Groups:

The Original 7ven The Vanguard

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Terry Lewis

Roles:

Composer

Groups:

The Original 7ven Flyte Tyme Jam & Lewis

Needs more gear

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St. Paul

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist

Groups:

fDeluxe The Mighty Soulmates Minneapolis Allstars Ricky Peterson and The Peterson Brothers St. Paul & The Minneapolis Funk All Stars

No gear added

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Jerome Benton

Roles:

Singer

No gear added

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Morris Day

Roles:

Singer

Groups:

The Original 7ven

No gear added

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Monte Moir

Roles:

Music Producer

No gear added

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James Samuel Harris

Roles:

Composer

No gear added

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Jellybean Johnson

Roles:

Guitarist

Groups:

fDeluxe The Original 7ven Jellybean Johnson Experience St. Paul & The Minneapolis Funk All Stars

No gear added

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Ricky Smith

Roles:

Bassist

No gear added

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Torrell Ruffin

Roles:

Guitarist

No gear added

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Paul Petersen

Roles:

Guitarist Keyboardist Music Producer

Groups:

fDeluxe The Mighty Soulmates Minneapolis Allstars Ricky Peterson and The Peterson Brothers

No gear added

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About

The Time is an American band that emerged from the vibrant Minneapolis music scene, blending elements of funk, rock, and synth funk. Formed in 1981 as a project by the legendary Prince, the group originally consisted of Morris Day (vocals), Jesse Johnson (guitar), Jimmy Jam (keyboards), Terry Lewis (bass), Monte Moir (keyboards), and Jellybean Johnson (drums). Known for their dynamic stage presence and danceable grooves, The Time played a crucial role in popularizing the "Minneapolis sound," a hybrid genre characterized by its fusion of funky guitar riffs, electronic synthesizers, and urban contemporary rhythms.

How to Sound Like The Time

The Time's sound is a vibrant cocktail of funk-infused grooves and electrifying rock elements, which creates a bold and infectious sonic character. Their music often features tight, syncopated rhythms and punchy bass lines, supported by lush keyboard harmonies that add a layer of sophistication. Guitar tones, as shaped by Jesse Johnson, are both biting and melodic, often enhanced with overdrive effects like Shin's Music Dumbloid Special and the Keeley Super Phat Mod, giving them a distinctive edge. The integration of synths and electronic drum machines, such as the Jomox XBase 09, further enriches their sound, ensuring that each track resonates with a catchy, danceable energy. This dynamic blend of traditional and electronic instrumentation allows The Time to craft a sound that is both timeless and contemporary.

Get the The Time Sound

Want to sound like The Time? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.