cds
NEW from Cumulus Records!
THE OTHER ROAD - Ed Johnson & novo tempo

Original contemporary Brazilian-inspired songs and instrumentals from a high-powered octet.

“I am strongly impressed with all the original tracks on this album, and excited to discover a player with such musical fire! "The Other Road" is a grand sonic adventure that gets our MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating!”
—Dick Metcalf, aka Rotcod Zzaj, Zzaj Productions, Mililani, HI

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MOVIMENTO - Ed Johnson & novo tempo

Featuring vibrant, original contemporary jazz with a Latin feel and a refreshing emphasis on harmony vocals and horn arrangements. Evocative of Brazilian pop, but unlike anything you’ve heard before.

“Think early Return to Forever meets Jobim and Sergio Mendes.” —San Jose Mercury News

Movimento fully realizes the tight ensemble performance of Ed’s touring band, NOVO TEMPO. Novo Tempo features brass man JOHN WORLEY, woodwind player KRISTEN STROM, and guitar/mandolin wizard SCOTT SORKIN. Pianist and songstress JENNIFER SCOTT teams up with Ed for distinctive, vocalese duets evocative of Tania Maria. The rhythm sections features Northwest bass star RENE WORST, drummer MARK IVESTER, and percussionist JEFF BUSCH.

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OVER THAT WAVE - Ed Johnson

If you can imagine it, Ed has outdone himself with this recent work. It is sweet, complex, full of energy and love for the music.

“…Johnson and his occasionally large ensemble create a very hip combination full of vocal intensity and good musical chops.…His voice, like an American version of Ivan Lins, rises and soars along with his fellow singers Greg Scott, Kim Scanlon and Jennifer Scott to bring a real tour de force to several songs on the CD. There is a real joy and exuberance to these tunes that just can’t be denied. …Highly recommended.”
—Michael Handler, Jazzwest.com, April 5, 2002 entire review

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BACK IN TOWN - Sharp Nine
Ed's CD with the vocal jazz group Sharp 9 features arrangements by Ed & fellow group member Rich Berlin.

“This is a marvelous debut. Kudos to the singers—they create blend and fun; diction is right on the money; so is pitch. The arrangements delight the auditory nerve, and the rhythm section is first-class. All parties converge on the same goal: The song” —Rebecca Parris

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HOUSE OF DOORS - Ed Johnson
A masterpiece of evocative Brazilian-inspired jazz and songwriting. Ed Johnson, with co-writer Mimi Hills, co-producer Rick Vandivier, engineer Gary Mankin, guest vocalists Lissy Abraham, Kathy Kallick, Nate Pruitt, Kim Scanlon, Linda Waterfall, and a host of others, Ed has produced a sound that is big, dynamic, stunningly beautiful, and full of discovery. House Of Doors combines the passion of Johnson's vocal delivery with sophisticated, yet purely enjoyable, musical support. From the title cut to the jazz ballad “Farewell, Mr. Baker” Johnson never lets up on the gas pedal. We're treated to a visit to Carnaval in “Para Te Conquistar,” to the haunting bossa nova of “Your Partner Is The Night,” and to a story of enduring love and friendship through a terminal illness in “Windbreak.” And the Santana-like rocker “Someone I Can Count On” lifts the recording to a hard driving, emotional zenith.

“...a dynamic recording, showcasing some fine songwriting, singing, and instrumental work.”—Dirty Linen

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LISSY ABRAHAM (Produced by Ed Johnson)
Ed Johnson’s multi-layed arrangements and harmonies add tasteful depth and you'll find lots of other local talent too, including Gryphon instructors Jack Tuttle and Carol McComb, and accordian player and vocalist Libby McLaren. Compass Records artist John R. Burr plays piano, Preston Carter and Santana veteran Myron Dove provide solid bass underpinnings. Jim Lemons plays drums, and Jim Schneider and Jeff Zeiss provide tasteful horn lines.

“The 11 original tunes (some co-written with producer Ed Johnson) demonstrate strong lyrics and melodies in a variety of styles —folk, rock, jazz— there's even a bluegrass tune.”
—Richard Johnston, Gryphon Gazette, Gryphon Stringed Instrument

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WINTER'S GIFT - Gryphon Carolers
Led by Ed Johnson and Carol McComb, the Gryphon Carollers had its humble beginnings in 1975. That year, Carol and Ed handed out Christmas carol lyric sheets (without music) to the students in their harmony singing class at Gryphon Stringed Instruments, and the whole group took to the streets! Twenty-two years and many rehearsals later, the Gryphon Carollers now has a repertoire of over 40 songs, including original arrangements by Ed and Carol. It is still a community-based group composed largely of 'recreational' musicians who enjoy spreading holiday cheer.

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ONE DECEMBER NIGHT - Gryphon All Stars & Carolers
The Gryphon Carolers is a unique vocal ensemble who in recent years has performed to sold-out crowds at venues such as Villa Montalvo and Stanford's Dinkelspiel Theater.  The Gryphon Carolers was formed in 1975, when composer/guitarist Ed Johnson and singer-songwriter Carol McComb recruited students from their harmony singing classes at Gryphon Stringed Instruments, establishing the original group.  In the early years, they provided sheets of Christmas carol lyrics to the group and serenaded passers-by on the streets of Palo Alto.  Today, the Gryphon Carolers is a formal ensemble consisting of 40 voices.  The group draws from a 200-page repertoire of songs, many of which were arranged and some written by individual members of the talented ensemble.  The Carolers adhere to a rigorous rehearsal schedule, with rehearsals beginning in September and taking place weekly until the December concert.  Participation is voluntary, with most joining through word of mouth or being recruited through classes at Gryphon Stringed Instruments in Palo Alto. In addition to the annual Gryphon Carolers' Holiday Concert (open to the public), the revelers also visit local area nursing homes and hospitals in the weeks leading up to the concert.

Song Samples