Ricky Freeze Smith Salutes Monte Moir and Michael J. Hagen
Sweetwater session sees funk artist celebrate sound architects behind The Time Band’s groove
Pratibha holds a master's degree in English from Madras University. A bookworm from a young age, she devours books and digital humanities to nourish her writing projects. Pratibha began her writing career in 2018 and has experience writing formal, informal, and technical content.
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Funk Icons Unite At Sweetwater
Ricky Freeze Smith, founding bassist of The Time, took to Instagram this week to shine a spotlight on two key figures behind The Time Band’s signature sound: keyboardist Monte Moir and longtime audio programmer Michael J. Hagen. In a simple but heartfelt caption—”I love these brothas Monte Moir and thank you Michael J. Hagen for programming the sounds”—Smith underscored how both men have shaped the sonic landscape of funk’s most enduring ensemble.
Masterclass Momentum Builds
The shout-out arrives amid The Time Band’s ongoing series of funk masterclasses hosted at Sweetwater in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Earlier posts from the @thefreezepage handle have chronicled the journey from rehearsal to kick-off. On May 19, Smith shared a behind-the-scenes image under the tagline “Rehearsal Today Masterclass Tomorrow! JMTF The Time Band,” highlighting the band’s tight preparations.
One day later, an Instagram update read, “The Funk MasterClass Commences Tomorrow! This inaugural funk class at Sweetwater marks the beginning of a series… We Look Forward to Seeing You There!” Designed by Chelsea Fisher, the promotional graphics set the stage for what promises to be an immersive deep dive into classic grooves.
Programming The Groove
Monte Moir has been a cornerstone of The Time since the early 1980s, co-writing hits like “Jungle Love” and contributing to Janet Jackson’s breakthrough sound. His mastery of melody and harmony has defined the band’s feel, but recent years have seen him lean into cutting-edge audio tech alongside programmer Michael J. Hagen.
Hagen, whose work behind the console at Sweetwater has helped power live events and studio sessions, has been responsible for crafting patches, atmospheres, and effects that give The Time Band its contemporary punch. Smith’s Instagram credit—”thank you Michael J. Hagen for programming the sounds”—is a nod to Hagen’s meticulous design of synth textures, drum samples, and signal chains that underpin every riff.
Countdown To History
In another flashback, Smith’s February post announced, “THE COUNT DOWN… JMTF The Time Band MasterClass May 22, 2025 Sweetwater,” sharing a Universe.com ticket link. The event sold out within days, offering attendees the chance to learn signature licks from Moir and co. alongside hands-on tech clinics led by Hagen.
On the night of the showcase, Smith posted a candid shot with his wife, Tania Mistré Smith, backstage at a separate sold-out show with Morris Day and Sheila E. at Pala Casino Spa Resort—proof that The Time’s funk remains in high demand on both educational and performance stages.
A Two-decade Legacy
With a career spanning four decades, Monte Moir’s fingerprints are on some of funk’s most enduring grooves. His partnership with Smith dates back to the group’s formation in Minneapolis, and their recent Sweetwater residency demonstrates how veteran artists can stay ahead of the curve.
Smith’s Instagram chronology—rehearsals, countdowns, sold-out concerts and masterclasses—paints a portrait of funk as both heritage and living art. By publicly acknowledging Moir’s creative spark and Hagen’s technical expertise, Smith reminds fans that a great groove is equal parts talent and technology.
Attendees of the Sweetwater session walked away not just with autograph pages but with practical know-how: how to dial in synth leads à la “The Bird,” program punchy drum machines, and layer effects in real time. As Smith put it, “You really don’t wanna miss this history in the making.”
Bridging the gap between stage and soundboard, Monte Moir and Michael J. Hagen exemplify a modern approach to funk—rooted in tradition but unafraid of innovation. Ricky Freeze Smith’s shout-out is more than a social-media nod; it’s a reminder that every iconic riff rests on careful programming and deep musical synergy.
Ultimately, this Sweetwater session cements The Time Band’s reputation not only as funk legends but as educators passing the torch. Whether through Moir’s melodic prowess or Hagen’s behind-the-scenes wizardry, the groove is alive, well, and wired for the future.
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