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THE DEFINITIVE JJ COLLECTION!!!
The 80s were a great time for R&B music! It was full of terrific artists and groups who knew how to perform and whose music was alive and full of passion! Former Time guitarist, Jesse Johnson's music was fast, fun, funky and fanatical! He definitely made you sing along and dance to his music...and to show you how much he meant to me, I performed his debut hit "Be Yo Man" in the Huntington High School Air Band competion back in 1984. Ironically, I lost to a group that performed "The Bird" by the Time, but the memories this man's music spark within me will always be cherished. Jesse Johnson, Prince, Sheila E., The Time and those of their ilk--as ahead of their time they were-- created outstanding music, albeit, at times, very chessey music. "Jesse Johnson's Ultimate Collection" was a long time coming. Somebody (perhaps him) got hip and said, "OK, Let's get this man a Best of...CD." I mean let's get real--ole JJ has put out quite a few number 1 hits and quite a few albums in the 80s well into the 90s. He has produced the likes of Vanity, Paula Abdul, Debbie Allen, Janet Jackson, TaMara and the Seen and a host of others, something I don't think Morris Day or Jerome did--oh, wait! There was that stupid 90s girl group the "Day-sies" Morris Day formed, but we won't even begin to talk about them. Plus, Jesse Johnson can sang and play his @$$ off!! So, yes, it was only a matter of time before a CD such as this one saw the light of day! And for that, I must say THANK YOU to whomever thought enough to do a "Best of..." for JJ!! Now, can we get someody to consider releasing Vanity's "Wild Animal", Madame X and Princes's "Black Album" onto CD?

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Jesse is a Gifted Musician(Not a Paisley Prince)...
Though Johnson has been a strong backbone and influence in the Minneapolis R&B sound from the 80's he was all too often compared to and even mistaken for the Purple One(sometimes this hurt Jesse more than helped him).The major difference is that Johnson's music is strongly rooted in rhythm and blues,some jazz, and some downright good ole' fashion funk ! He has never succumbed to the extravagances or commercial mediocrity like some of his other fellow Minneapolis musicians (exceptions being Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis who are now phenomenal producers in the music industry).

This collection is representative of what has made Johnson not just a popular R&B vocal artist but an exceptionally gifted musician.While his voice may bear a strong resemblance to Prince, his skill and craftsmanship with the electric guitar blows even Prince away ! Johsnon is almost reminiscent of Jimmy Hendrix.However, the most noteable exception is that Jesse plays with a more blues-like soulful finesse whereas Jimmy was more grounded into the rock scene; Hendrix may have been able to make his guitar talk, but Johnson makes his sing !

The early tracks of Johnson's career (Wanna Be Your Man, Can You Help Me) were typical of the Minneapolis sound of the mid-eighties;cold,calculated,computerized new-wave funk. His later material (Baby Let's Kiss,Black In America) represents his more refined musical direction;More warmth and rhythm and much more blues/jazz/soul influences...My only sidebar comment would be that Jesse put out a strictly all-out instrumental c.d project showcasing his dynamic range and styles with the electric guitar.

This is an essential collection of some of the best R&B to come out of Minneapolis and the '80s from an artist who is both mistakenly underrated and confused with Prince...Give Jesse the credit he's due !

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Where oh where have you gone Jesse Johnson?
Where oh where, have you gone Jesse Johnson? I have been an admirer of Jesse's work ever since I heard the first Time album. Now I Love Prince, but.... I've got news for you, the baddest guitarist to come out of Minneapolis is not Prince! It's Jesse Johnson. This album gives you a glimpse of his artistry, however, if you would like to see "more guitar" check out Jesse's 1996 Dinosaur release, Bare My Naked Soul. The last time a guitarist expressed instrument virtuosity, masterful song writing and studio mastery at these creative and remarkable levels, was in 1968 "Electric Ladyland" by Jimi Hendrix.

Jesse if you're out there come back and see us again in LA. We'll be waiting, and other guitarists/musicians should line up to take lessons. Peace.