STILL MORE praise for the new release from Ed Johnson & Novo Tempo
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This new album has enlivened our week. A majestic and hypnotic album, For Every Living Thing is an exciting work made with passion and heart.
– Aaron Guzmán, End Sessions (Mexico)
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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, featuring mostly originals and a singular sound.
– Marc Myers, JazzWax
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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)
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…at times seems to be made by an authentic Brazilian. Not to mention the organic production, very polished…[it] shows more than just knowledge of MPB, but an admiration that many Brazilians do not have for their country’s music. It also proves how global it is!
– Music for All (Brazil)
Praise for the new release from Ed Johnson & Novo Tempo
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Singing and bringing in a variety of guitars, Ed Johnson creates an album of breezy bossas with the Novo Tempo of Jennifer Scott/voc-key, Kristen Strom/wwinds-voc, John Worley/tp-fh, Jeff Cressman/tb, Scott Sorkin/g, Rene Worst/b, Mark Ivester-Jason Lewis/perc and various guests. Worley’s horn glides on a samba’d “Where Or When” and glows on “Love As One”. Johnson’s strings are cozy on “Little Baiao” and impressionistic for “No Stopping For The Beat” with the horns upbeat on “Out of Time” and gentle during “Balancing”. Hints of vintage Jobim and Claus Oberman.
– Jazz Weekly
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Guitarist, vocalist Ed Johnson leans towards the fresh sounds of Brazil on For Every Living Thing with his band Novo Tempo including Jennifer Scott (vocals, keyboards), Jeff Cressman (tb), and Mark Ivester (d). They play ten songs including seven originals. Among the best are “Where Or When” featuring Scott singing, and “Out Of Time”. The music is refreshing, pop-based, vocal contemporary jazz that flows in the spirit of samba.
– O’s Notes Jazz Magazine
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.
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:
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
Upcoming Performances
September 15, 2024 • with Novo Tempo Octet, 5:00-6:15pm
Peninsula Jewish Community Center, 800 Foster City Blvd, Foster City CA. Get tickets >
September 29, 2024 • with Novo Tempo Octet — FREE! Presented by Music in Place
Grinstead Amphitheater, Sonoma Plaza, 403 1st St E, Sonoma CA.
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.