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Two concerts in March! — Redwood City on March 8 and Berkeley on March 26. See below for details.

Live & Aloud — Novo Tempo Trio on March 8

“This event is FREE and is presented by Friends of the Redwood City Public Library. We will be performing a combination of Brazilian-inspired original songs and creative covers of some of our favorite Brazilian songwriters. Throughout the pandemic we have been working with the entire Novo Tempo Septet on completing a new album project, which is projected for a late April or early May release, and for this concert we’ll include a couple of songs from the new album.

“Space is somewhat limited, so try to arrive early; there is ample parking near the Library. As for Covid protocols – San Mateo County no longer requires masks at indoor events; however, masks are still highly recommended.”

—Ed Johnson

Tuesday March 8, 6:30-7:45pm
Live & Aloud – Novo Tempo Trio:
• Ed Johnson – guitar and vocals
• Kristen Strom – sax, flute, vocals
• Scott Sorkin – guitar

Downtown Library, Fireside Room (first floor)
1044 Middlefield Rd.
Redwood City, CA 94063

For more info contact:
Rosalind Kutler
rkutler@redwoodcity.org
Phone: 650-780-7058

Jocelyn & Walter’s Porch Concert Series on March 26

“This is a FREE outdoor event! The Porch Concert Series grew out of Jocelyn and Walter starting Happy Hour informal music sessions during the height of the pandemic. They wanted to instill a sense of community during difficult times, and the series has garnered a solid following and strong support ever since. It is my pleasure to share an afternoon of music with these talented artists! We will be performing an eclectic set of original songs and unique covers from a variety of sources, including a Puerto Rican bolero, a Pat Metheny tune that Walter has written a lyric to, a vocal trio arrangement by Ed of a sweet standard, and songs by the Doobie Brothers, Joni Mitchell, Sting, and the Beatles! You can expect to hear sparkling vocal harmonies and fun and funky grooves!”

—Ed Johnson

Saturday March 26, 3:00-4:15pm
Jocelyn and Walter’s Porch Concert Series presents
• Jocelyn Elisa – vocals
• Ed Johnson – guitar and vocals
• Walter John Bankovitch – piano and vocals
• Stefan Cohen – saxophones
• Phil Montalvo – Latin percussion
• Thomas Turner – cajón

The musicians will be set up just off the front porch with a garage door as backdrop. Attendees can bring lawn chairs or folding chairs and sit in the street facing the house. For further details (including address location) please contact Walter at walter@bankovitch.com.

New recording in progress from Ed Johnson & Novo Tempo!

Ed and his band Novo Tempo are currently working on an exciting new recording. It features mostly original compositions and explores themes such as finding joy through hardship, caring for our planet, and how love sustains us all.

Expected release date is spring 2022. Watch this space for updates!

Play the video to hear “New Day Rising”, a joyous new single from the upcoming CD →

Performances

Nov 13, 2021 • Concert with John Worley and the Mo-Chi Quartet at Mildred Owens Concert Hall in Pacifica at 7:30pm.

Aug 26, 2021 • Ed will perform via live-stream through the Redwood City Library. Enjoy Ed’s original songs plus covers of everything from Jobim to the Beatles.

Aug 2, 2021 • Bellingham, WA • House concert with Cabin Fever NW

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.

30-minute private lesson

$55


45-minute private lesson

$80


1-hour private lesson

$100


JAZZ GUITAR
CLASSICAL GUITAR
ACOUSTIC GUITAR
ELECTRIC BLUES & ROCK GUITAR
MANDOLIN
VOICE

RECORDINGS

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


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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.


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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.

“…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


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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


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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.

Ed Johnson