MJ: Hey everybody it's "Michelle Joyner" with a first in music, Welcome to the "Music Espresso Interview Show,"

Wow, where do I start!

I have a very special guest today. He's an extraordinary guitar player, songwriter, singer, producer, and original member of "The Time." Along with Prince, he co-wrote hits like "The Bird" and "Jungle Love" as well as his own jams like "Crazay", "Love Struck", "Free World", and "Nights Like This", just to name a few

I'm so excitеd he's joining us today to celebratе the release of his new double album, "Verbal Penetration Vol. I & II"

Everybody, let's show a really warm welcome for: Jesse Johnson

MJ: So Mr. Johnson, the first question I would like to ask you is; What's the meaning of the title to your new release, "Verbal Penetration?"

JJ: Well, I felt it was time for a bit of verbal stimulation, to balance out the scales of sexual stimulation and monetary infatuation. And lord knows we've all been there

MJ: And can you tell me a little bit about the concept of "Verbal Penetration?"

JJ: My goal was to provoke thoughts that are uplifting as well as healing and inspire one to feel proud of his/her history, because it all leads back to basic self-respect and self- love

MJ: You know, Jesse, I was fortunate enough to have heard this album, and I got to tell you, I'm so excited. The songs just touched me, they took me back to a place where songs had meaning, and I'm so excited to talk to the listeners about this. How would you feel if I told the listeners to make sure they listen to this whole album, because it is just fantastic. How do you feel?

JJ: I feel the same way; I took my time and carefully arranged the sequence of the songs to allow space for the listeners to conjure up their own images as well as emotions while enjoying this piece

MJ: So, what do you want the listener to come away with after experiencing "Verbal Penetration?"

JJ: Musical enjoyment, musical inspiration, a sense of pride and maybe a bit more awareness of oneself

MJ: I hear tremendous musical growth and lyrical reinvention as well, how do you feel you have grown? As an artist, musician, as a person

JJ: Well, I definitely know more chords than before; I've gotten a little bit better as a guitar player and songwriter and a little bit bolder as a singer

MJ: Where did record the record, and were you the principle composer, as well as musician on "Verbal Penetration?"

JJ: Yes, I recorded the record in Los Angeles, and I wrote 99% of the songs on it

MJ: And are you sonically happy with the final outcome?

JJ: Yes, I wanted it to sound like a nice rough mix, not too orderly, not too shiny

MJ: I know you wear a lot of hats, so which hat do you enjoy wearing the most: engineer, producer or artist?

JJ: Guitar Player!

MJ: You know, Jesse, you are an expectational guitarist. Many people, including myself, hold you in very high regard. So tell me how it feels to hear that?

JJ: It's flattering, but embarrassing

MJ: Who are your guitar heroes?

JJ: I'd have to say Curtis Mayfield, Jimi Hendrix, Eddie Hazel, Wes Montgomery, Muddy Waters, Albert King, BB King, Hubert Sumlin to name a few

MJ: What's your preference when it comes to things like guitars, pickups, strings and such?

JJ: Well I prefer Fender Stratocasters with Seymour Duncan pickups, and GHS Nickel Rocker strings, Gibson Flying V with '57 classic pickups and Minarik Diablo

MJ: What's your preference for amplifiers, for performing and recording?

JJ: For performing I'm using Line 6 Bogner; in the studio I'm using line 6, Vox, Marshall, Egnater, Fender

MJ: After announcing you would be appearing on the show, we were flooded with emails from your fans, so would you mind answering a few questions from your fans?

JJ: Not at all

MJ: This email asks, who built your pedalboard and what pedals are on it?

JJ: It was built by Bob Bradshaw of "Custom Audio Electronics" in Los Angeles, and it's got way too much stuff on it to remember

MJ: By the way you smell quite good. I won't ask you what you're wearing, but who makes your clothes?

JJ: Louis Wells, Mike Sam

MJ: I hope you're going to tour?

JJ: Don't you know it!

MJ: What's your creative process like when it comes to songwriting?

JJ: I usually start with guitar chords, and a rough melody, lyrics

MJ: I'm really looking forward to hearing "Verbal Penetration" performed live. Should the audience expect to hear songs from earlier albums like Jesse Johnson's Revue, Shockadelica. Every Shade of Love. as well as Bare My Naked Soul?

JJ: Most definitely, otherwise I think people would be really be pissed at me. MJ: What about B-sides?

JJ: There are no more B-sides. No, I'll be playing B-sides too

MJ: So Jesse, let me ask you this. How do you feel about forever being connected to Prince, The Time, as well as the legendary Minneapolis Sound?

JJ: Well it's an honor to have been part of a movement that created a sound, a fashion, and a style all its own

MJ: What's your favorite Time album?

JJ: All of them

MJ: What are your feelings about the music business?

JJ: I have no feelings about the music business

MJ: Why the long hiatus between album releases?

JJ: I have no feelings about the music business

MJ: So Jesse, I have a really important question ,and I'm sure your fans are curious as well. What songwriter, musician, and/or singer so you relate to the most?

JJ: Curtis Mayfield!

MJ: What most inspired you to write presently?

JJ: Hope

MJ: And for my last, and final, question, how would you like, Jesse, to be remembered?

JJ: For how good my music made you feel!

MJ: We would like to thank Jesse Johnson for joining us today. I'd like to thank all of you. Next week our special guest will be "Verbal Penetration Vol. I & II"