Here's a musician who builds on the influence of top Brazilian songwriters like Ivan Lins, Milton Nascimento and Djavan. Johnson's jazz is thoroughly American, but his point of view starts further south; looking over the musical shoulders of these giants of MPB. As a songwriter he shares their penchant for writing melodies which frame epic storylines: The tales that follow 'Movimento' unfold chapter and verse in the lyrics of these songs.

Brazilian Music Profile: 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 latest offering. Ed’s previous releases, The Other Road and 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 Kristen Strom (Nuclear Whales), guitar/mandolin wizard Scott Sorkin, Canadian pianist and singer Jennifer Scott, Canadian bass star Rene Worst, drummer Mark Ivester, and percussionist Jeff Busch.

Ed has performed and recorded with numerous musicians over the years, including Smith Dobson, Rick Vandiver 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. His own influences
are broad and his teachers have included such notables as Tuck Andress
and Bobby McFerrin..