Prime Time Funk is a 10-piece powerhouse horn-driven band.

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What People Are Saying"Prime Time Funk has the tightest and funkiest horn section in Upstate New York...This group can tear it up with the best of them."-City Newspaper, Guide to The Rochester International Jazz Festival"This ain't no bar band...I'm proud to have my name on this CD." -Jeff Tyzik, Grammy Award-Winning Producer"Put some of the best rhythm players in Rochester together with the best horns, add vocalist Ronnie Leigh and the production of Jeff Tyzik, and you have Rochesters answer to Tower of Power: Prime Time Funk."-City Newspaper"I really enjoyed the groups version of Never Make Your Move Too Soon. The groove, the vocals and the intensity melded the funk and the grease into a down home stew. I could smell it!Good luck guys and keep it smellin!"-Stix Hooper - Co-Writer of Never Make Your Move Too Soon & founding member of The Jazz Crusaders "It's always a pleasure to start off this column giving kudos to a great band! That group, Prime Time Funk, will be celebrating nine years together on Saturday, April 2 (7-9pm) at Milestones, the place where it all began. As singer/songwriter and tenor saxophonist Jimmy Richmond recalls, "We built up a following right away by playing regular Tuesday nights at Milestones." Richmond co-founded the ten-piece powerhouse with bassist, Ralph Ortiz, and are joined by some of Rochester's most respected players like drummer Dave Cohen, guitarist Joe Chiappone, and keyboardist Andy Calabrese, along with a phenomenal horn section made up of Vince Ercolamento, Ron D'Angelo, Derrick Lipp and Dean Keller, and featuring the stellar pipes of vocalist Ronnie Leigh. Bringing the funk to disc, PTF released their fine debut, Ready & Willing, five years ago, and have performed at major festivals here and across the globe in support. Congrats to a band that can always get a party started!... "-Michelle Picardo Freetime Magazine, 2005"Prime Time Funk has the tightest and funkiest horn section in Upstate New York. Fronted by vocalist Ronnie Leigh, the band includes top Rochester musicians: drummer David Cohen, keyboardist Andy Calabrese, and saxophonist Vince Ercolamento. One listen to Ready and Willing, produced by Jeff Tyzik, is all it takes to know that this group can tear it up with the best of them. City Newspaper Guide to the Rochester International Jazz Festival 2003Fridays concert also featured Prime Time Funk. The group is a sort of jazzy Tower of Power, and it effectively mixed rock, soul and the wordy rhythms of hip hop to create sonic walls of melody."-John Pitcher,Staff Music Critic Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, 2003"Put some of the best rhythm players in Rochester together with the best horns, add vocalist Ronnie Leigh and the production of Jeff Tyzik, and you have Rochesters answer to Tower of Power: Prime Time Funk. Whether they're adding a reggae beat to Janis Joplins Piece of My Heart or putting on a Latin accent with Fiesta De La Noche, PTF is an air-tight funk band. Theres no doubt about their status in Rochester, but PTF has also conquered lands beyond with two appearances at Lionel Hampton Jazz Club in Paris. Warning: not a good choice if you like to sit still.-City Newspaper Guide Rochester International Jazz Fest, 2002"One of the most polished discs of the year comes from the 10-piece party parade known as Prime Time Funk. With their mix of originals and covers, Ready and Willing capitalizes on the bands R&B/funk combination made up of the very capable vocals of Ronnie Leigh (sounding like an excited Robert Cray), the resounding horn section and solid rhythms. Prime Time Funk are a definite must-see in this town, anytime."-Michelle Picardo Freetime Magazine, 2000"I had been meaning to get this recording for a long time. The line up of musicians could not be better, and they are known to put on a great live show. I was not at all disappointed with this recording. In fact, it exceeded my expectations. The rhythm section sets up a solid base for every cut on the album. The horn section could not be tighter. And the vocals, both lead and background, are inspiring, reminiscent of Earth, Wind & Fire's soulfulness. From a production point of view, this disc is a testament of producer Jeff Tyzik's history of making great recordings. This recording, simply put, is good music. Amazon.com gives you the option of listening to some of the tracks before you purchase. Definitely check them out. Once you do, you'll want to buy it, I guarantee." -John Harper, 2002 "Prime Time Funk lends a balletic background to funk/ska/R&B and Latino tracks with a variety of graceful and perfect sounds for cocktail parties, kicking back at home, and room for dancing--day or night. "Champs Elysees" is the most cosmopolitan track, providing the mood of moonlight on still water. Ronnie Leigh's vocals make the listener immediately caught up in his dynamic and versatile vocal richness." -Barb Bidwell, 2000, Amazon.com"And, like last year, the festival producers brought Medeski, Martin, and Wood for an outdoor show. Starting the gig was Rochester's own Prime Time Funk, a powerful outfit that played to a sparse crowd, which was a shame because these guys cook."-RIJF 2003 by Bill Ribas"Prime Time Funk picks up the pieces and pulverizes them. With its attention to funky grooves, no concern about what dancing to them may do to your spine, and a horn section that comes on like a brass-powered blitzkrieg, Prime Time Funk will wear you out. Good luck." -City Newspaper Guide to the Rochester International Jazz Festival 2011 by Frank DeBlase
About

AboutIt was 1996 when veteran Rochester musicians James Richmond (sax, keyboardand vocals) and Ralph Ortiz (bass) started assembling their dream band. A funkband, of course, and for once there would be no compromises in musicianshipor material. This would be Prime Time Funk.One by one, they handpicked the rhythm section, starting with drummer Dave Cohen. When they began recruiting the PTF horns, saxophonist Vince Ercolamento was their first call.The dream quickly became a reality, surviving the inevitable personnel changesthat occur in any band, and becoming stronger with each change. The current and longtime lineup features Andy Calabrese on keyboards, Joe Chiappone on guitar,Ron D'Angelo and Derrick Lipp on trumpets, Michael Edwards on baritonesax and violin, and the incomparable Ronnie Leigh on vocals.In 2009, tragedy struck when co-founder/bassist Ralph Ortiz died suddenly fromcancer. But, as if orchestrated by Ralph himself, bassist Ron France appearedand has allowed the PTF dream to continue.The band is currently recording its second CD as a tribute to Ralph. PTF'sdeubt CD in 2001, Ready and Willing, was co-produced by Grammy®Award-winning producer Jeff Tyzik, Principal Pops Conductor for theRochester Philharmonic Orchestra.In its 14 years, Prime Time Funk has played the Lionel Hampton Jazz Club inParis as well as the Rochester International Jazz Festival, and has shared the stage with some of the world's most respected funk, R&B, blues and jazz acts: Earth, Wind & Fire; Medeski, Martin & Wood; The Brothers Johnson; Tom Scott;Terrence Blanchard; The Temptations; Average White Band; Stanley Clarke; Lenny White; Larry Carlton; John Scofield; Sherman Roberston; and Francine Reed.Between clubs, colleges, and corporate dates, and from festivals and fundraisers to private celebrations, this premier ten-piece powerhouse is more in demand than ever. Audiences eat up the chemistry on stage, dance like theres no one watching, and appreciate that theyre hearing extraordinary musicians who truly live up to the name Prime Time Funk.
Biography

Jim Richmond
Ronnie Leigh
Dave Cohen
Andy Calabrese
Derrick Lipp
Joe Chiappone
Mike Edwards
Ron DAngelo
Ron France
Vince Ercolamento

BiographyJim Richmond, tenor sax & vocals:As a child, Jim Richmond entertained the neighborhood kids by imitating Elvis on his front porch. After listening to his father's gospel group rehearse weekly in their living room, he was inspired to take up the saxophone. He led his own band, The Echomen, while still in high school, then went on to major in music at SUNY Fredonia. Sugar Hill signed his band, Mother Freedom, in the late 70s and released one album. Jim's serious vocal, songwriting and arranging talents, like his sax playing, have kept him in demand over the years. He's written songs with people like Kim Stone from the Rippingtons, performed on national commercials such as Buick, and shared the stage with acts including George Benson and Tower of Power. Jim also wrote many of the songs, as well as horn and vocal arrangements, for PTF's debut CD, 'Ready and Willing'.Ronnie Leigh, lead vocals:Singer Ronnie Leigh has been called "one of the finest song stylists working in jazz today", by Syracuse Jazzfest founder and director, Frank Malfitano. The versatile, four-time Syracuse Area Music Award-winner has fans from Seattle, Washington to the famed Q-Bar in Istanbul, Turkey. Ronnie has recorded with Cabo Frio on Zebra/MCA Records, and with Larry Arlotta on Spirit Jazz. He's shared the stage with Pat Metheny, the Yellowjackets, David Benoit, Special EFX, Spyro Gyra, David Sanborn, Tom Scott, Etta Jones, Jon Hendricks, and Chuck Mangione, as well as the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra. Ronnie has also toured with The Drifters, and is currently the director of Syracuse University's vocal jazz ensemble, 'Windjammer'.Ron France, bass:Ron was introduced to music by his father, a trumpeter who played his early years with Stan Kenton's band and was a staple on the local CNY Music scene... In the 1990s Ron was the music director for Nancy Kelly whose first album on Amherst Records, went to number eight on the Billboard Jazz Charts. From there Ron went on to become the touring bassist for Doc Severinson of Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Rons Long time collaboration with vocalist Ronnie Leigh and keyboardist Larry Arlotta led to two Grammy nominated CD's for their work on the CD Song for My Father. Ron has been fortunate to work and/or record with such jazz luminaries as Eye Level, Jeff Tyzik, Alan Vizzuti, Three For All, Cabo Frio and many others. As the newest member of Prime Time Funk, Ron takes up the mantle of PTF co-founder Ralph Ortiz who passed away on February 2, 2009. Ron also plays with "Hot Sweets" a band that features keyboardist/vocalist Todd East and PTF members James Richmond, Joe Chiappone, & David Cohen. David Cohen, drums & percussion:David Cohen began taking drum lessons at age 10. Inspired by drumming legends Buddy Rich and 'Philly' Joe Jones, he went on to study with famed jazz drummers Vinnie Ruggiero and Ed Soph. In the 80s, Dave led a rock band called 'Backseat Sally', which released an album on Atlantic Records and an MTV video. Other studio credits include albums by The Dinner Dogs, Glenn Medeiros, Anthony Watson, and The Rockin' Rebels, as well as soundtracks for HBO, CBS, and TVKO. Dave has also performed with Gap Mangione, The Mambo Kings, Bat McGrath, Barry Kiener, 'Sax' Gordon Beadle, Rodney Dangerfield, Russell Malone, Mark Manetta, Tino Gonzales, Nancy Kelly, Francine Reed and Sherman Robertson (at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Club in Paris, France), Billy Bang, as well as the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.Vince Ercolamento, saxophones and flute:Vince Ercolamento has a performance degree from Nazareth College on Saxophone and Flute. He started touring with bands immediately upon graduation, eventually working with Jimmy McGriff, Cornell DuPree, and Bo Diddley, among others. He has appeared at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Club in Paris, France with Lyle Lovett's vocalist, Francine Reed, and Texas blues guitarist, Sherman Robertson. He also received a National Endowment for the Arts award, which enabled him to study with renowned jazz saxophonist, George Coleman. Vince has played on national commercials, soundtracks, and album projects like Doug Flutie's 'The Flutie Gang'. He also leads his own jazz quartet, and wrote many of the horn arrangements for PTF's debut CD.Ron D'Angelo, trumpet & flugelhorn:Ron D'Angelo was born in Philadelphia, raised in Pottsville, PA, and has been living in Rochester since 1988. He has recorded numerous radio/TV jingles and has played lead trumpet for Aretha Franklin, Johnny Mathis, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Gap and Chuck Mangione, The O'Jays, Bobby Vinton, Connie Francis, Martha & the Vandellas, Josh Groban, Joan Rivers, The Eastman Jazz Ensemble, and Royal Cruise Lines. He has also performed with Natalie Cole, The Woody Herman Orchestra, Paula Cole, and played the jazz trumpet chair on the PBS special, 'An Evening with Michael Civisca'. Ron holds degrees from the University of Rochester and Syracuse University, and attended Berklee College of Music.Andy Calabrese, keyboards:Besides playing with PTF, Andy Calabrese leads his own jazz trio in Rochester, New York. As president of his own music production company, he composes and produces jingles and film soundtracks, recently producing tracks for The Stylistics, Danny and the Juniors, and Jay and the Techniques. He's in demand as a sideman as well, having performed with well-known jazz and pop artists such as Chuck Berry, Aretha Franklin, Paul Anka, Chuck Mangione, Pepper Adams, Joe Romano, Sal Nistico, Chet Catallo, Nancy Kelly, Jeff Tyzik, Doc Severinsen, and Kenny Rankin. He also played the Broadway tour of 'Phantom of the Opera'. Andy studied piano at Shenandoah Conservatory and the Eastman School of Music. When he's not gigging, composing or producing, Andy is usually teaching jazz and classical piano.Derrick Lipp, trumpet & flugelhorn:Derrick Lipp has been a member of Prime Time Funk since shortly after the release of 'Ready and Willing'. Derrick has performed with Nick Brignola, Joan Osborne, George Caldwell, The O'Jays, The Temptations, and The Four Tops.He has shared the stage with acts including Mark Anthony, Tito Puente, The Airmen Of Note, Woody Herman's Thundering Herd, Jiggs Wigham, and Bruce Hornsby. His playing can be heard on radio and TV spots for Chevrolet and The United Way as well as numerous CD projects. Derrick's musical influences include Tower of Power, Allan Holdsworth, Take 6, Jaco Pastorius, and the Brecker Brothers.Joe Chiappone, guitarJoe Chiappones desire to play an instrument began at age 5 during a family jam session. He began guitar lessons when he was 8 years old, and went on to study with jazz guitarists Dick Longale and Tom Rizzo (Maynard Ferguson/Doc Severinsen). Joe also majored in Jazz Guitar at the University of Miami, and studied Jazz Improvisation with Ray Ricker at Eastman School of Music. Besides owning and operating Northfield Music Studios, a popular guitar store andmusic school in Pittsford, NY, Joe is in demand as a studio musician. Hes also performed with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Broadway touring shows, and many well-regarded regional bands. Mike Edwards - bari sax, flute, EWI, violinMichael Edwards has been playing and teaching music in Upstate New York since he graduated from the Crane School of Music in 1990, where he was the winner of the 1998 Concerto competition. He has shared the stage with numerous big bands, jazz groups and party bands, and has appeared with artists such as crooner Vic Damone and Wessel Anderson, saxophonist with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. Michael currently teaches out of his private studio in Brighton, NY, and has students of all ages and levels on saxophone, flute, pennywhistle, clarinet, violin, guitar and piano.
Calendar

CalendarAugust 11, 2012Esperanza MansionBluff Point, NYPRIVATE PARTY (8 pc.)Sunday August 12, 20123:00 - 5:00 PMState BattlegroundsSackets Harbor, NYOutdoor ConcertSaturday September 1, 2012Joseph & Elizabeth Inn RestaurantGroton, NY Private PartySaturday September 8, 2012Inn On BroadwayRochester, NY Private Party (7 PC.)September 15, 20127:00 PMBristol HarborCanandaigua, NYPRIVATE PARTYSeptember 22, 20127:00 PM - 11:00 PMOak Hill Country ClubRochester, NYPRIVATE PARTY
Contact

ContactBooking: David Cohen585.383.8910 Office/Studio/The Drum Corner585.747.8476 CellDCohen9_aol.com
Songs

SongsAl Green Lets Stay TogetherAntonio Carlos JobimGirl From IpanemaOnce I LovedTristeAverage White BandPick Up The PiecesB.B. King Let The Good Times RollBeatlesAnd I Love HerEleanor Rigby In My LifeI Saw Her Standing There Ben E. KingStand By Me Bill Withers Aint No SunshineJust The Two Of UsBob MarleyOne LoveBob Marley/Eric ClaptonI Shot The SheriffBobby CaldwellWhat You Wont Do For Love Cannonball Adderly Mercy, Mercy, MercyCommodoresBrick HouseCrosby, Stills, & NashLove The One Youre With Duke EllingtonDont Get Around Much AnymoreSatin DollTake The A TrainEarth, Wind & FireAfter The Love Has GoneFantasySeptemberThats The Way Of The WorldEdgar Winter GroupFrankensteinErroll Garner MistyFrank SinatraSummer WindThe Way You Look TonightYou Dont Know What Love IsGeorge BensonBreezin'On BroadwayHerbie MannComin Home Jaco PastoriusChickenCome On, Come OverSoul IntroJames BrownCold SweatGet Up (Sex Machine)I Feel GoodJoe HendersonBlue BossaJoe Sample Viva Da Funk Joe WilliamsBye Bye BlackbirdJohnny NashI Can See Clearly NowLou RawlsBaby What You Want Me To DoKansas CityLouis ArmstrongWhat A Wonderful WorldMarvin GayeI Heard It Thru The GrapevineWhat's Goin' On?Nat King ColeUnforgettablePrime Time Funk Fiesta De La Noche Hopelessly In Love Never Make Your Move Too SoonOne Life To Live Ready And Willing When You're Hot, You're Hot PTF/Bill WithersUse MePTF/Janis Joplin Piece Of My Heart PTF/Lionel RichieLove Will Find a WayRay CharlesHallelujah I Love Her SoRobben FordHelp The Poor Talk To Your Daughter Roberta Flack Feel Like Makin LoveSam & DaveWhen Something Is Wrong Sam CookeYou Send MeSmokey Robinson The Way You Do The Things You DoSteely DanPegSteve WinwoodJust Wanna Have Some Fun Stevie Wonder Higher GroundI WishIsn't She LovelyMasterblaster (Jammin)Signed, Sealed, DeliveredSuperstition The DriftersUnder The Boardwalk The SpinnersIll Be Around The TemptationsAint Too Proud To BegMy GirlTom ScottNight CreaturesTony BennettAll of MeAll The Things You Are TotoGeorgy PorgyTower of Power A Little KnowledgeCome On With ItWhat Is Hip?Van MorrisonBrown Eyed Girl Wilson PickettMidnight Hour*This is just a partial list of PTF's repertoire. A full song list is available upon request.
Photos

Ronnie Leigh
Jim Richmond
Ronnie Leigh
Jim Richmond
Andy Calabrese
Dave Cohen
Andy Calabrese
Dave Cohen
Derrick Lip
Joe Chiappone
Derrick Lipp
Joe Chiappone
Ron France
Vince Ercolamento
Ron France
Vince Ercolamento
Ron D'Angelo
Mike Edwards
Ron D'Angelo
Mike Edwards
PTF Horns
Let Me Hear It!

Products

Remembering Ralph T-Shirt (Black)

$14.95
Prime Time Funk T-shirt (White)

$14.95
Prime Time Funk T-shirt (Black)

$14.95
Ready and Willing CD

$19.95

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Remembering Ralph

Remembering RalphIn February of 2009, PTF co-founder and bassist Ralph Ortiz died suddenly from cancer. A devastated, grieving band orchestrated Remembering Ralph: Rochesters Music Community Remembers Ralph Ortiz, a nine-hour benefit concert at Water Street Music Hall that featured 70 area musicians. Funds raised paid for Ralphs medical and funeral expenses, as well as traveling expenses to bring his mother, Josefina Ortiz, from Puerto Rico to Rochester for the moving musical tribute. The event also funded the first scholarships given by The Ralph Ortiz Memorial Fund: one for $500 worth of lessons at Northfield Music in Pittsford, where Ralph taught for 20 years; and the other for a graduating senior from Newark High School (Ralphs alma mater) pursuing music studies. "We want to keep Ralph's memory alive by making it possible for young musicians to pursue their studies and their dreams," said Jim Richmond, close friend and fellow Prime Time Funk co-founder. "I know that Ralph is smiling about this."The second Remembering Ralph event took place in May, 2010, at the annual Lilac Festival, with four bands and several special guest artists. Once again, the Ralph Ortiz Memorial Fund awarded both scholarships. Remembering Ralph 3 was scheduled for May 2011s Lilac Festival, but was cancelled at the last minute due to inclement weather. Although PTF is looking to reschedule the event, the Fund not only delivered on its annual scholarships, but added another $500 award as well. PTF is currently finishing up its second CD, Hear and Now, as a tribute to Ralph. Ralph Ortiz (1956-2009)Rafael "Ralph" Ortiz, Jr., born in Newark, NY, was "the king of groove", according to Grammy Award-winning producer, Jeff Tyzik. He was also extremely versatile, having performed with everyone from Texas blues guitarist Sherman Robertson, to Peter Noone of the Herman's Hermits, to the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.He appeared on the Arsenio Hall Show with fusion band Cabo Frio, and recorded with respected artists such as Ralph Humphrey and Steve Gadd. He can be heard on soundtracks for HBO Sports, as well as Donny Gerrard's latest album, The Romantic.Ralph played everywhere from the Bravo! Music Festival in Vail, Colorado to the Lionel Hampton Jazz Club in Paris, France, but was undoubtedly most at home playing "thump-to-the- bone" funk with PTF.
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Never Make Your Move Too Soon

PTFuseme.mp3

Champs-Elysees

Fiesta

Hopelessly In Love

Tongue Tied

One Life To Live