Ed Johnson and Novo Tempo January 19, 2008

ED JOHNSON and NOVO TEMPO - $20 admission

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.

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, with Over That Wave making the Bubbling Under section of the Yellow Dog Jazz chart.

Ed tours regularly with his band NOVO TEMPO which is made up of some the Bay Area's very best musicians, including brass man JOHN WORLEY (Stanley Clarke, Wayne Shorter Sextet, Worlview), woodwind player KRISTEN STROM (Nuclear Whales, Kristen Strom Quintet, Crossing Borders), guitar/mandolin wizard SCOTT SORKIN, renowned Canadian pianist and singer JENNIFER SCOTT (Crossing Borders), Canadian bass star RENE WORST, drummer JASON LEWIS (Boz Scaggs) and percussionist MICHAEL GOERLITZ (Wild Mango). Ed has performed and recorded with numerous musicians over the years, including SMITH DOBSON, RICK VANDIVIER and NINA GERBER, and singers NATE PRUITT 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.

Official Website: http://www.pacificaperformances.org