Jesse Johnson has left the building… again. Here are a few thoughts on this now that I’ve had a little time to wrap my brain around it.

Jesse was the last member to join the band and doesn’t have the history of growing up with the other guys. Granted, they’ve all been through a lot (3 tours together, etc.), but the other members (for the most part) have roots that trace all the way back to high school… which locks them together in a slightly different bond. Jesse is amazingly talented, but has always seemed a little like the outsider to me. In interviews he seems to be very open to talking about their history but if you look at the other guys faces (especially on the 07 DVD), they seem to be hoping Jesse doesn’t say the wrong thing. Jesse has always been a little bit of a loose cannon, but that is what also makes him an amazing and funky guitarist/writer. It is also what seems to make him unhappy when others take charge. For the most part, Jesse wasn’t happy with 1990’s Pandemonium… especially with the selection of singles released (both singles were Prince penned songs, and in all honesty not the best tracks from the album). In published interviews (and personal interviews I’ve done with him) he has stating that he doesn’t like being dictated to about his music, and I think that may be the case right now. With this amazing group of musicians, there may be ‘too many cooks in the kitchen’ to quote “Skillet”. This might be a battle over the next single, the next promo gig, the songs that they’ll play live or even about the tour to follow this album. So far, the album (which is amazing and deserves to be heard) hasn’t done well, and my guess is that Jesse had some ideas which weren’t in line with the rest of the band.

For people complaining that they didn’t get a chance to see the original line up of The Time, I agree to a certain extent. It would have been fun to see them, but apparently people haven’t been paying attention to the band. For almost 4 years, the 7 of them have been reunited in some form. They played the Grammy’s in Feb. of 2008, played at least 15 shows during that summer in Vegas, a few shows in June 2010, a show in L.A. at Club Nokia, and a handful of promo appearances. I may have missed some while making this list, but you get the idea… they haven’t been hiding! They have been working together in some form (either live or in the studio) for a long time. So when it seems like Jesse is leaving after only 2 months… you have to remember that he has been basically in this reunion for ALMOST 4 YEARS which is longer than The Time was originally together (1981-84)… in fact, technically the original band was only together from 81-83 with Jimmy and Terry fired just after their 2nd big tour so this means that they’ve been working together almost twice as long as they were when they were originally a band in the early 1980s.

Where does this leave the group? In many ways… screwed. Because of this name change, they assumed that it was going to be all 7 of them. There are several ways to continue: 1) replace Jesse and keep moving forward. This isn't the best scenario, but can be done and if the music/tour is great – the fans will forgive them for becoming The Original 6ix. Honestly, the only real way I could see them continuing this as THE ORIGINAL 7VEN would be to bring in Prince on guitar since he really was one of the members and played guitar on practically all of their tracks, but I don’t expect that (but would be 1st in line to get a ticket for that tour!). 2) Make THIS the band that tours with Morris for a bit and call it MORRIS DAY AND THE ORIGINAL TIME or something like that (Flyte Tyme maybe?). 3) They could walk away from the project- which would be terribly sad considering how much hope and dreams was put into it. But I am going with the next option. 4) Personally, I don’t think it is over for Jesse and The Time/O7. This facebook post may just be a shot fired at the band to show them that he is serious about his convictions, whatever they are and they may come around wanting to accommodate him. The fact that the band hasn’t released a statement shows me that there is still frantic negotiating going on behind the scenes. Jesse isn’t throwing insults at them… in fact, his words are very deliberately vague regarding his future with them (“I don't really think I'll be performing with the Original 7” “Love the guys, but I feel in my heart it's "Time" to walk away while we're all still friends.”). I would wait to see where this thing goes, especially considering how stealth they were about putting together CONDENSATE. These guys are all really talented but also really strong in their convictions. Terry really wants this band to have the shot it deserves outside of Prince, so my guess is that he will be the peacemaker again and bring them all together for a brief tour to wrap it all up. There is love there, but when business is added, it gets complicated.

If this is it and he is quitting the band for good, will I miss Jesse? As a fan of The Time and as someone who has been looking forward to this for a long time – a gigantic YES. Will I accept them playing without him. I’d say yes to that as well. He added a lot to the band, but if the man isn’t happy, he doesn’t owe anyone to do something he doesn’t want to do. I think it is sad that he has backed out, and I’m curious about his motivation (and I don’t think this is going to make too many new fans for him), but it is his decision and it sounds like after 4 years of reuniting with his brothers, it was The Time for him to leave and do his own thing again.

I hope it works out. I don't think that their story isn’t over.

madhouseman said:

For people complaining that they didn’t get a chance to see the original line up of The Time, I agree to a certain extent. It would have been fun to see them, but apparently people haven’t been paying attention to the band. For almost 4 years, the 7 of them have been reunited in some form. They played the Grammy’s in Feb. of 2008, played at least 15 shows during that summer in Vegas, a few shows in June 2010, a show in L.A. at Club Nokia, and a handful of promo appearances. I may have missed some while making this list, but you get the idea… they haven’t been hiding! They have been working together in some form (either live or in the studio) for a long time. So when it seems like Jesse is leaving after only 2 months… you have to remember that he has been basically in this reunion for ALMOST 4 YEARS which is longer than The Time was originally together (1981-84)… in fact, technically the original band was only together from 81-83 with Jimmy and Terry fired just after their 2nd big tour so this means that they’ve been working together almost twice as long as they were when they were originally a band in the early 1980s.

Kind of like after reuniting, both The Eagles & Steely Dan have been together longer than they originally were.

MickyDolenz said:

madhouseman said:

For people complaining that they didn’t get a chance to see the original line up of The Time, I agree to a certain extent. It would have been fun to see them, but apparently people haven’t been paying attention to the band. For almost 4 years, the 7 of them have been reunited in some form. They played the Grammy’s in Feb. of 2008, played at least 15 shows during that summer in Vegas, a few shows in June 2010, a show in L.A. at Club Nokia, and a handful of promo appearances. I may have missed some while making this list, but you get the idea… they haven’t been hiding! They have been working together in some form (either live or in the studio) for a long time. So when it seems like Jesse is leaving after only 2 months… you have to remember that he has been basically in this reunion for ALMOST 4 YEARS which is longer than The Time was originally together (1981-84)… in fact, technically the original band was only together from 81-83 with Jimmy and Terry fired just after their 2nd big tour so this means that they’ve been working together almost twice as long as they were when they were originally a band in the early 1980s.

Kind of like after reuniting, both The Eagles & Steely Dan have been together longer than they originally were.

Have they really? I didn't realize that. I like both The Eagles and Steely Dan and had no idea that their reunions were longer than the band was in existance. Thanx for the info.

Then he could've done folks a favor and say "I'm not down" with the reunion... just saying.

TBH, I didn't expect the band to stay around much longer than the release of the album and a few shows any way - to me this was a reunion project, not a permanent gig.

if thats really jesse making those post on facebook then i must say he gotta feel strongly on his reasons.yet if u go back 2 past innerviews jesse wasnt big on reuniting and learning there songs and his songs he felt like he wanted 2 concentrate on his solo career which has been invisble for the past 20 years.im not gonna knock jesse or any of them no matter how much we love they all grown men with superloads of talent and have the rights 2 do what they like

Jesse obviously has issues with some or all of the members of the group. He knew he was done with it and did the fans a courtesy of telling them so. There still hasn't been any word from he rest of the group in any form. He didn't have to say anything and let it be a surprise when people show up to a gig and he ain't there. I hope that he's happier with his choice and chosen path. The personal attacks on him are shameless and selfish. We don't own him and the price of a CD doesn't constitute a contract with a fan. Play on Jesse.

As fortunate as I was 2 C the OG 7ven in MPLS on 11/5, I was upset that there weren't enough NEW songs in the repetoire. Their intro was "Strawberry Lake" (but only a morsel of the song), and they played "Trendin' ". But the rest?? Classics. Don't get me wrong- I LOVE the classics. BUT- if U put 2gether such a BOMB ASS PROJECT and u play 1 & 1/4 songs from said project, then "What Time Is It Really?"

Morris Day has said in past interviews that He'd rather "work smarter & not harder". Fans have waited over 20 years 2 c the OG 7ven. I personally think someone's in "Cruise Control" and playin' it TOO safe. Whether it's "Part-Time" or the OG 7ven, Bruh is gettin' PAID!!!! Less stress Part-Time, too many cooks OG 7ven. Madhouseman NAILED IT!!!!!

Why would Jesse quit???? 'Bean is the ULTIMATE Hustler (Part-Time/OG 7ven/FDeluxe/Ronnie Baker Brooks, etc.). Monte's got Part-Time & other stuff goin' on. Jam & Lewis....need I say more?? Jerome?? I don't know. He could do the European tour w/D'Angelo & by the time it's over, the OG 7ven will be READY!!!!!!

My suggestion (not that it really matters).......STOP TREATIN' FULL-TIME (OG 7ven) LIKE A PART-TIME JOB!!!!! Stick ya necks outs just a lil' bit & play some of that NEW sh*t!!! Don't go thru ALL that trouble 2 change ya name, put out a GREAT project & then play all that sh*t that P wrote!!!

I hope the Brothers work it out. But, if not, add Tori Ruffin (from Part-Time), add water, stir & keep it movin'!!!!!!!

What Time Is It?????

...........

[Edited 12/18/11 12:10pm]

they are done. As soon as the cd didn't sell they seemed to abort the project. They did their few promo appearances but they are not willing to "work" to sell the cd like most artist.

NouveauDance said:

TBH, I didn't expect the band to stay around much longer than the release of the album and a few shows any way - to me this was a reunion project, not a permanent gig.

Sounds about right

madhouseman said:

Jesse Johnson has left the building… again. Here are a few thoughts on this now that I’ve had a little time to wrap my brain around it.

Jesse was the last member to join the band and doesn’t have the history of growing up with the other guys. Granted, they’ve all been through a lot (3 tours together, etc.), but the other members (for the most part) have roots that trace all the way back to high school… which locks them together in a slightly different bond. Jesse is amazingly talented, but has always seemed a little like the outsider to me. In interviews he seems to be very open to talking about their history but if you look at the other guys faces (especially on the 07 DVD), they seem to be hoping Jesse doesn’t say the wrong thing. Jesse has always been a little bit of a loose cannon, but that is what also makes him an amazing and funky guitarist/writer. It is also what seems to make him unhappy when others take charge. For the most part, Jesse wasn’t happy with 1990’s Pandemonium… especially with the selection of singles released (both singles were Prince penned songs, and in all honesty not the best tracks from the album). In published interviews (and personal interviews I’ve done with him) he has stating that he doesn’t like being dictated to about his music, and I think that may be the case right now. With this amazing group of musicians, there may be ‘too many cooks in the kitchen’ to quote “Skillet”. This might be a battle over the next single, the next promo gig, the songs that they’ll play live or even about the tour to follow this album. So far, the album (which is amazing and deserves to be heard) hasn’t done well, and my guess is that Jesse had some ideas which weren’t in line with the rest of the band.

For people complaining that they didn’t get a chance to see the original line up of The Time, I agree to a certain extent. It would have been fun to see them, but apparently people haven’t been paying attention to the band. For almost 4 years, the 7 of them have been reunited in some form. They played the Grammy’s in Feb. of 2008, played at least 15 shows during that summer in Vegas, a few shows in June 2010, a show in L.A. at Club Nokia, and a handful of promo appearances. I may have missed some while making this list, but you get the idea… they haven’t been hiding! They have been working together in some form (either live or in the studio) for a long time. So when it seems like Jesse is leaving after only 2 months… you have to remember that he has been basically in this reunion for ALMOST 4 YEARS which is longer than The Time was originally together (1981-84)… in fact, technically the original band was only together from 81-83 with Jimmy and Terry fired just after their 2nd big tour so this means that they’ve been working together almost twice as long as they were when they were originally a band in the early 1980s.

Where does this leave the group? In many ways… screwed. Because of this name change, they assumed that it was going to be all 7 of them. There are several ways to continue: 1) replace Jesse and keep moving forward. This isn't the best scenario, but can be done and if the music/tour is great – the fans will forgive them for becoming The Original 6ix. Honestly, the only real way I could see them continuing this as THE ORIGINAL 7VEN would be to bring in Prince on guitar since he really was one of the members and played guitar on practically all of their tracks, but I don’t expect that (but would be 1st in line to get a ticket for that tour!). 2) Make THIS the band that tours with Morris for a bit and call it MORRIS DAY AND THE ORIGINAL TIME or something like that (Flyte Tyme maybe?). 3) They could walk away from the project- which would be terribly sad considering how much hope and dreams was put into it. But I am going with the next option. 4) Personally, I don’t think it is over for Jesse and The Time/O7. This facebook post may just be a shot fired at the band to show them that he is serious about his convictions, whatever they are and they may come around wanting to accommodate him. The fact that the band hasn’t released a statement shows me that there is still frantic negotiating going on behind the scenes. Jesse isn’t throwing insults at them… in fact, his words are very deliberately vague regarding his future with them (“I don't really think I'll be performing with the Original 7” “Love the guys, but I feel in my heart it's "Time" to walk away while we're all still friends.”). I would wait to see where this thing goes, especially considering how stealth they were about putting together CONDENSATE. These guys are all really talented but also really strong in their convictions. Terry really wants this band to have the shot it deserves outside of Prince, so my guess is that he will be the peacemaker again and bring them all together for a brief tour to wrap it all up. There is love there, but when business is added, it gets complicated.

If this is it and he is quitting the band for good, will I miss Jesse? As a fan of The Time and as someone who has been looking forward to this for a long time – a gigantic YES. Will I accept them playing without him. I’d say yes to that as well. He added a lot to the band, but if the man isn’t happy, he doesn’t owe anyone to do something he doesn’t want to do. I think it is sad that he has backed out, and I’m curious about his motivation (and I don’t think this is going to make too many new fans for him), but it is his decision and it sounds like after 4 years of reuniting with his brothers, it was The Time for him to leave and do his own thing again.

I hope it works out. I don't think that their story isn’t over.

Really well-written...I don't usually comment on a lot of the posts here with kudos, but great post...since I am never one to agree 100%...here is where I don't agree:

You said: "They have been working together in some form (either live or in the studio) for a long time."

Uh, a few shows, The Grammys, and making Condensate is not really the Band being together. Jimmy Jam made the nuts and bolts of 75% the entire album with little input from the rest of the band. Jesse was away from the band most of the time, and made Verbal Penetration, and played a few solo gigs. I doubt the entire 7 were in the same room more than 100 days in the last 5 years combined. Morris has played several shows with the "Part Time."

I agree with the OP....I don't think that Jesse is completely "done" with The Original 7ven.He's probably just restless and frustrated at the lack of activity with the band (a few promo gigs/TV appearances).Consider this...Jesse was kicked out of the band before,in 1991 during the Pandemonium era.And he eventually came back.

SoulAlive said:

I agree with the OP....I don't think that Jesse is completely "done" with The Original 7ven.He's probably just restless and frustrated at the lack of activity with the band (a few promo gigs/TV appearances).Consider this...Jesse was kicked out of the band before,in 1991 during the Pandemonium era.And he eventually came back.

Kicked out??? For what?

PAPAROBBIE said:

SoulAlive said:

I agree with the OP....I don't think that Jesse is completely "done" with The Original 7ven.He's probably just restless and frustrated at the lack of activity with the band (a few promo gigs/TV appearances).Consider this...Jesse was kicked out of the band before,in 1991 during the Pandemonium era.And he eventually came back.

Kicked out??? For what?

His personal life was spiraling out of control.There was an incident where he was fighting with his wife,the cops were called,and Jesse supposedly had a gun I remember reading about this in Rolling Stone.Not sure if this was the only reason he was booted out of The Time.

Even if you watch the DVD that with the O7 cd. Clearly Jesse was an outsider. He even said that he has had fights and what not. He was the only who spoke like that. Keeping in mind Jam, Terry, Bean and Monte all work together all the time. You have NEVER seen Jesse getting any credit on a FlyteTyme joint. Hell even Jerome has credits on a few songs. So Jesse either does not want to or can't work with the guys. Its clear there is something wrong

SoulAlive said:

PAPAROBBIE said:

Kicked out??? For what?

His personal life was spiraling out of control.There was an incident where he was fighting with his wife,the cops were called,and Jesse supposedly had a gun I remember reading about this in Rolling Stone.Not sure if this was the only reason he was booted out of The Time.

The Time members sure tried to cover HIS tracks too because they never fully revealed the reason he was eventually ousted. I think he always had a problem with Morris. I just feel the negative energy around them. Everyone was always concerned about Prince and Morris but Prince and Morris were almost like brothers so it's understandable how their relationship is but Morris and Jesse seemed to always be in odds.

[Edited 12/19/11 8:22am]

Timmy84 said:

SoulAlive said:

His personal life was spiraling out of control.There was an incident where he was fighting with his wife,the cops were called,and Jesse supposedly had a gun I remember reading about this in Rolling Stone.Not sure if this was the only reason he was booted out of The Time.

The Time members sure tried to cover HIS tracks too because they never fully revealed the reason he was eventually ousted. I think he always had a problem with Morris. I just feel the negative energy around them. Everyone was always concerned about Prince and Morris but Prince and Morris were almost like brothers so it's understandable how their relationship is but Morris and Jesse seemed to always be in odds.

[Edited 12/19/11 8:22am]

I heard that Jesse was upset that he didn't get to say the "How's the family?" line in Purple Rain.

To me it just boils down to success he expected to have with the new CD. Jesse expected the album to do much better mainly because JAM and Lewis produced a time album for the first time.

If the album sales had been solid the touring would have been more lucrative too. I think he felt since the album didnt take off the touring success would be very limited. He realised the money wasnt there.

rdhull said:

Timmy84 said:

The Time members sure tried to cover HIS tracks too because they never fully revealed the reason he was eventually ousted. I think he always had a problem with Morris. I just feel the negative energy around them. Everyone was always concerned about Prince and Morris but Prince and Morris were almost like brothers so it's understandable how their relationship is but Morris and Jesse seemed to always be in odds.

[Edited 12/19/11 8:22am]

I heard that Jesse was upset that he didn't get to say the "How's the family?" line in Purple Rain.

That would be interesting if true. Like I said I think Jesse was jealous that Morris got to have all the spotlight and angry that Prince sided with Morris than with Jesse though it was clear that the group was gonna be led by Morris from day one.

asg said:

To me it just boils down to success he expected to have with the new CD. Jesse expected the album to do much better mainly because JAM and Lewis produced a time album for the first time.

If the album sales had been solid the touring would have been more lucrative too. I think he felt since the album didnt take off the touring success would be very limited. He realised the money wasnt there.

Well I don't know how he's gonna make any money elsewhere. I'm sure if the D'Angelo tour goes on as planned, he'd probably get a good amount depending on how D acts. And who knows with El? But clearly was Jesse even thinking this is 2011? Almost no one knew who The Time are anymore except hardcore Minneapolis Sound/Time/Prince fans.

Timmy84 said:

rdhull said:

I heard that Jesse was upset that he didn't get to say the "How's the family?" line in Purple Rain.

That would be interesting if true. Like I said I think Jesse was jealous that Morris got to have all the spotlight and angry that Prince sided with Morris than with Jesse though it was clear that the group was gonna be led by Morris from day one.

I was just messin around about Hows The Family lol.

But in the dvd, it does appear that Morris is kind of contemplative while Jessie is talking.

Interesting take on this subject. Well thought out and maybe not too far off the mark.

Everyone can speculate as to the real impasse or rift which caused the Facebook remarks, but it's pretty well known that Jesse is has a mercurial personal history. Getting two creative types to agree on the details of an artistic project is usually difficult, but getting 7 industry veterans to do that is damn near impossible. There's always going to be some sulking when one gets out-voted on a matter, and worse if that individual feels strongly about something, or if it seems they're not being taken seriously. But inevitably, there is some cooling down as time passes. Hopefully everyone can set aside their differences at some point in the near future and collaborate again.

Jesse is a fucking force on the 6-string and no one else sounds like him.

rdhull said:

Timmy84 said:

That would be interesting if true. Like I said I think Jesse was jealous that Morris got to have all the spotlight and angry that Prince sided with Morris than with Jesse though it was clear that the group was gonna be led by Morris from day one.

I was just messin around about Hows The Family lol.

But in the dvd, it does appear that Morris is kind of contemplative while Jessie is talking.

Oh. My sarcasm/jokedar is bad.

But yeah I always thought there was tension between those two.

DecaturStone said:

Even if you watch the DVD that with the O7 cd. Clearly Jesse was an outsider. He even said that he has had fights and what not. He was the only who spoke like that. Keeping in mind Jam, Terry, Bean and Monte all work together all the time. You have NEVER seen Jesse getting any credit on a FlyteTyme joint. Hell even Jerome has credits on a few songs. So Jesse either does not want to or can't work with the guys. Its clear there is something wrong

Jimmy, Jesse, & Terry did work together on Chaka Khan's Funk This album. Jesse was also on Fishnet (but not in the video) and Love Is A Game.

[Edited 12/19/11 9:44am]

asg said:

To me it just boils down to success he expected to have with the new CD. Jesse expected the album to do much better mainly because JAM and Lewis produced a time album for the first time.

If the album sales had been solid the touring would have been more lucrative too. I think he felt since the album didnt take off the touring success would be very limited. He realised the money wasnt there.

They haven't really been a really big hit making machine since the 1990's. They may have an occasional hit now. But is Jesse (or the O7) really concerned about having a hit or having huge sales? If that was the case they could have done the same thing like Carlos Santana, Ron Isley, Tony Bennett, or Charlie Wilson did. The Time never really had big sales. They only crossed over due the Purple Rain movie, and that wasn't the original members. That's why they're mostly known for The Bird & Jungle Love, even though Jerk Out charted higher on the pop chart than those songs. Funk acts in general were never mainstream nor had crossover success, except for a few exceptions.

dandeeland said:

they are done. As soon as the cd didn't sell they seemed to abort the project. They did their few promo appearances but they are not willing to "work" to sell the cd like most artist.

sounds like someone i have heard b4

Seems like they put their heart in making the album, but not promoting it. They should havewaited to release it until they were ready to tour. By the time they start touring the album will be old, even if it was successful.

Even though the album is very good, no promotion and touring means little sales.

Let's face it, as much as we love them and would like to see them perform live, they couldn't even sell out a small arena in their home town and I am sure LA wasn't sold out either. Other than maybe Detroit and NYC, they would probably have a really hard time breaking even, let alone making money on a real tour.

Having said that, I still hope they will do a few more shows together for the Detroit supporters all these years and New York too.

MickyDolenz said:

asg said:

To me it just boils down to success he expected to have with the new CD. Jesse expected the album to do much better mainly because JAM and Lewis produced a time album for the first time.

If the album sales had been solid the touring would have been more lucrative too. I think he felt since the album didnt take off the touring success would be very limited. He realised the money wasnt there.

They haven't really been a really big hit making machine since the 1990's. They may have an occasional hit now. But is Jesse (or the O7) really concerned about having a hit or having huge sales? If that was the case they could have done the same thing like Carlos Santana, Ron Isley, Tony Bennett, or Charlie Wilson did. The Time never really had big sales. They only crossed over due the Purple Rain movie, and that wasn't the original members. That's why they're mostly known for The Bird & Jungle Love, even though Jerk Out charted higher on the pop chart than those songs. Funk acts in general were never mainstream nor had crossover success, except for a few exceptions.

Exactly.No funk band from the 80s could release a 'new' CD in 2011 and have major success with it.I don't think anyone connected to this project expected it to sell like Thriller.This project was more like a 'thank you' to the fans who had been waiting all these years for a new album.

SoulAlive said:

MickyDolenz said:

They haven't really been a really big hit making machine since the 1990's. They may have an occasional hit now. But is Jesse (or the O7) really concerned about having a hit or having huge sales? If that was the case they could have done the same thing like Carlos Santana, Ron Isley, Tony Bennett, or Charlie Wilson did. The Time never really had big sales. They only crossed over due the Purple Rain movie, and that wasn't the original members. That's why they're mostly known for The Bird & Jungle Love, even though Jerk Out charted higher on the pop chart than those songs. Funk acts in general were never mainstream nor had crossover success, except for a few exceptions.

Exactly.No funk band from the 80s could release a 'new' CD in 2011 and have major success with it.I don't think anyone connected to this project expected it to sell like Thriller.This project was more like a 'thank you' to the fans who had been waiting all these years for a new album.

Yeah. Time will tell though if this was just for an album to be recorded and for them to move on or what. Like someone said, it wasn't a full-fledged return together, just a reunion. Just wished the reunion could've ended with some 2012 shows...

It looks like it's already happening:

"Morris Day and The Time" are playing a New Year's Eve show in Scottsdale, Arizona... with special guest... Sheena Easton!