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It was 1996 when veteran Rochester musicians James Richmond (sax, keyboard
and vocals) and Ralph Ortiz (bass) started assembling their dream band. A funk
band, of course, and – for once – there would be no compromises in musicianship
or 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 changes
that 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 baritone
sax and violin, and the incomparable Ronnie Leigh on vocals.
In 2009, tragedy struck when co-founder/bassist Ralph Ortiz died suddenly from
cancer. But, as if orchestrated by Ralph himself, bassist Ron France appeared
and has allowed the PTF dream to continue.
The band is currently recording its second CD as a tribute to Ralph. PTF's
deubt CD in 2001, Ready and Willing, was co-produced by Grammy®
Award-winning producer Jeff Tyzik, Principal Pops Conductor for the
Rochester
Philharmonic Orchestra.
In its 14 years, Prime Time Funk has played the Lionel Hampton Jazz Club in
Paris 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 there’s no one watching, and appreciate that they’re hearing extraordinary
musicians who truly live up to the name Prime Time Funk.
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