Jim 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 1990’s 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”. Ron’s 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, guitar Joe Chiappone’s 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 and music school in Pittsford, NY, Joe is in demand as a studio musician. He’s also performed with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Broadway touring shows, and many well-regarded regional bands.

Michael Edwards, bari sax & violin: Michael 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.