Get Ed’s new holiday single!
Ed’s “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” is an uplifting, contemporary Brazilian take on a cherished Christmas carol, in a rhythmic baião setting with soaring vocals & exquisite soprano sax.
Get it HERE. You can also purchase the track as a gift — so give this gorgeous song to your friends and family for the holidays!
Ed Johnson – lead vocals, acoustic guitar
Kristen Strom – sopranos, harmony vocal
Scott Sorkin – electric guitar
Brian Rice – percussion
Cary Black – electric bass
The Gryphon Carolers Concert — Dec 15
This annual holiday extravaganza has become a Bay Area community favorite for over forty years! Featuring highly unique arrangements in an eclectic blend of musical styles of familiar seasonal favorites, along with brilliant original songs that capture the yuletide spirit.
Audience members will delight in the sounds of Celtic fiddling, Brazilian rhythms, lush vocal harmony, R & B takes on traditional carols, and much more. Come and be uplifted and inspired by joy, harmony, humor, positive energy, and poignant moments for an unforgettable evening!
Sunday, December 15, 2024
Ed Johnson, Carol McComb, and The Gryphon Carolers
1715 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA
Doors open: 5:30pm
Concert: 6:00pm
Ed Johnson – guitar, vocals
Carol McComb – guitar, vocals
Kristen Strom – sax, flute, vocals
Valerie Rose – violin, vocals
Kris Yenney – cello, vocals, assistant conductor
Walter Bankovitch – piano
Preston Carter – bass
Ami Molinelli – percussion
…and the Gryphon Carolers, a fabulous 20-plus vocal ensemble!
For Every Living Thing by Ed Johnson & Novo Tempo
The eagerly anticipated recording by Ed Johnson and Novo Tempo is now available! Featuring mostly original compositions with the band’s trademark Brazilian-flavored sound, the ten tracks explore themes of finding joy through hardship, caring for our planet, and how love transforms and sustains us all.
Track listing:
1. Little Baião
2. No Stopping The Beat (New Day Rising)
3. For Every Living Thing
4. Coral Sea
5. Where Or When
6. Balancing
7. Out Of Time
8. Love As One
9. Lua Soberana
10. Meu Pais
Produced by Ed Johnson and Scott Sorkin
Cumulus Records CR 0107
After getting off to a fast start in the winter of 2020, the album ended up taking over two-and-a-half years to complete, with the global pandemic throwing numerous challenges our way. Through it all, the band persevered, and the result is a stunning collection of songs and production, featuring outstanding, stellar performances from Ed on vocals and guitar, Jennifer Scott on vocals and keyboards, Kristen Strom on sax/flute/reeds, John L. Worley on trumpet and flugelhorn player, Scott Sorkin on guitar and co-production, Rene Worst on bass, Mark Ivester and Jason Lewis on drums, and Michaelle Goerlitz and Jeff Busch on percussion.
Now available at:
Praise for the new release from Ed Johnson & Novo Tempo
“
…a breath of fresh air in the jazz scene.”
– Voxwave
“
From start to finish, For Every Living Thing offers beautiful arrangements, incredible instrumental performances and the alluring draw of Ed Johnson’s voice, resulting in a timeless record from a celebrated artist who continues to operate at the very highest level.”
– Plastic Magazine (UK)
“
Guitarist Ed Johnson and his Novo Tempo ensemble play a mix of soft jazz, samba and bossa nova rhythms, and Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66-like vocal harmonies. His new album is breezy and jazzy-joyous, with a singular sound. ”
– Marc Myers, JazzWax
“
A majestic and hypnotic album, this is an exciting work made with passion and heart.”
– Aaron Guzmán, End Sessions (Mexico)
“
…refreshing, pop-based, vocal contemporary jazz that flows in the spirit of samba.”
– O’s Notes Jazz Magazine
“
…at times seems to be made by an authentic Brazilian…[it] shows more than just knowledge of MPB, but an appreciation that many Brazilians do not have for their country’s music.”
– Music for All (Brazil)
“
Singing and bringing in a variety of guitars, Ed Johnson creates an album of breezy bossas.”
– Jazz Weekly
“
…a deeply layered listen from beginning to end.”
– Sinoidsidal Music
“
…brilliant instrumentation…Ed Johnson has done an amazing job combining different timbres while keeping the unique soundscape of the album as a whole.”
– Tunite
Performances
December 10, 2024 • with Novo Tempo Trio — FREE! 6:30-7:45pm, Downtown Library, Redwood City, CA. Join us in the Fireplace Room for unique, fun arrangements of Holiday songs, and also featuring music from Novo Tempo’s latest album for a Brazilian-flavored theme.
December 15, 2024 • with the Gryphon Carolers — 6:00pm, 1715 Grant Road, Los Altos, CA. This annual holiday extravaganza has become a Bay Area community favorite for over forty years!
Take lessons with Ed on Zoom
Ed has been teaching private lessons in guitar and voice through Palo Alto’s Gryphon Stringed Instruments for 30 years. With his many years of experience, he brings knowledge of all aspects of guitar and vocal techniques that few can match, plus an affinity for students at any level of ability.
Questions? Email Ed or call 650-996-2155.
RECORDINGS
FOR EVERY LIVING THING – Ed Johnson & novo tempo
Featuring mostly original compositions with the band’s trademark Brazilian-flavored sound, ten tracks explore themes of finding joy through hardship, caring for our planet, and how love transforms and sustains us all.
After getting off to a fast start in the winter of 2020, the album ended up taking over two-and-a-half years to complete, with the global pandemic bringing numerous challenges. Through it all, the band persevered, and the result is a stunning collection of songs and production, featuring stellar performances from all involved.
THE OTHER ROAD – Ed Johnson & novo tempo
Original contemporary Brazilian-inspired songs and instrumentals from a high-powered octet.
The Other Road is Ed’s fourth and latest solo release. Ed’s previous releases, 2004’s Movimento and 2002’s Over That Wave, received glowing reviews, national airplay, and made the Bubbling Under section of the Yellow Dog Jazz chart.
“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
MOVIMENTO – Ed Johnson & novo tempo
Vibrant, original contemporary jazz with a Latin feel and a refreshing emphasis on vocal harmony 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 band NOVO TEMPO. Novo Tempo features John Worley, Kristen Strom, Scott Sorkin, Rene Worst, Mark Ivester, and Jeff Busch. Jennifer Scott teams with Ed for distinctive vocalese duets evocative of Tania Maria.
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.
“…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
HOUSE OF DOORS – Ed Johnson
A masterpiece of 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 others, Ed creates 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.
“…a dynamic recording, showcasing some fine songwriting, singing, and instrumental work.”
–Dirty Linen
Need great music for your upcoming event?
Ed has over thirty years experience playing at private parties, corporate events, weddings, and other functions. He can provide solo guitar or create a custom ensemble in whatever size you need. Whether you want jazz, classical, rock, country, oldies, or anything in between, Ed’s stellar musicianship will make your event memorable.
Email Ed or call 650-996-2155 or use the form at right.