Ed Johnson & Novo Tempo

Classical. Brazilian. R&B. Jazz. Afro-Cuban. Popular Rock and Roll. ED JOHNSON's mastery of so many different styles, coupled with a passion for harmony vocal and horn arrangements, all factor into a magical blend of vibrant, original contemporary jazz that is winning fans and airplay worldwide. Ed?s original music is evocative of Brazilian pop, but unlike anything you?ve heard before.

As a vocalist, Ed Johnson is frequently compared to Ivan Lins, Milton Nascimento, Kenny Rankin, and Michael Franks. As a guitarist and bandleader, critics often cite the lushly exotic, accessible sounds of Airto and Flora Purim. Ed has seven recording projects to his credit, in addition to producer?s credits for other singer/songwriters.

Movimento is Ed?s third and latest solo release. Ed?s previous release, 2002?s Over That Wave, received glowing reviews, national airplay, and made the Bubbling Under section of the Yellow Dog Jazz chart.

Ed tours regularly with his band NOVO TEMPO, featuring brass man JOHN WORLEY (Stanley Clarke, Wayne Shorter Sextet), woodwind player KRISTIN STROM (Nuclear Whales), guitar/mandolin wizard SCOTT SORKIN, Canadian pianist and award-winning singer JENNIFER SCOTT, Canadian bass star RENE WORST, drummer MARK IVESTER, and percussionists JEFF BUSCH and MICHAELLE GOERLITZ. The band has been performing and recording with this personnel intact since 2002, and continues to be Ed's primary vehicle for showcasinging his music.

Ed has performed and recorded with numerous musicians over the years, including SMITH DOBSON, RICK VANDIVIER and NINA GERBER, and singers NATE PRUITT, KIM SCANLON, and THE POINTER SISTERS. Ed has showcased his vocal arranging talents in numerous groups including the critically acclaimed SHARP 9 and THE GRYPHON QUINTET, with which he recorded several albums, and as co-director of the popular GRYPHON CAROLERS.

Mentor to innumerable guitar students, Ed has taught private lessons and group classes in Palo Alto, California for more than 25 years, and at jam sessions and music camps nationwide, where he easily swings from Beatles marathons to all-night jazz jams. He co-produced two interactive sound exhibits for Seattle?s EXPERIENCE MUSIC PROJECT, and is the co-author of an instructional CD and booklet on harmony singing.