Updated: May 2, 2024
Born: February 6, 1950
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.
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. View Ed’s electronic press kit.
Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Ed frequently tours with his Brazilian-flavored band NOVO TEMPO and with Americana band CABIN FEVER NORTHWEST.
As a teacher, Ed has given private and group lessons in both guitar and voice at highly reknowned Gryphon Stringed Instruments in Palo Alto CA for over 40 years, making it the longest anyone has been on Gryphon’s private lesson staff. With his many years of experience, he provides a knowledge of all aspects of guitar and vocal techniques that few can match, plus an affinity for teaching students at any level of ability.
COMPOSER/ARRANGER
Ed composes original songs with a strong Brazilian and Latin undercurrent. His original music is evocative of Brazilian pop, but unlike anything you’ve heard before.
In addition to composing, Ed is a highly sought-after arranger with a library of vocal arrangements in a wide variety of styles, including jazz, gospel, R&B, Americana, world music, and unique interpretations of holiday favorites. Ed’s original arrangements can be purchased, and he is also available to create custom arrangements.
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All About Jazz Articles
Ed Johnson & Novo Tempo: The Other Road
by Michael P. Gladstone
It has been three years since Movimento (Cumulus, 2004), the last album from singer/guitarist Ed Johnson & Novo Tempo, and the wait has been worth it. The Other Road , from this San Francisco Bay Area ensemble, evokes vivid memories of Brazilian samba and bossa nova music before the Tropicalia Movement introduced rock music into the menu of the first wave of bossa singer/songwriters in the early 1970s. At the same time, despite numerous re-awakenings of acoustic samba music, where ...
Continue ReadingEd Johnson: Over That Wave
by Dave Nathan
Palo Alto resident, Ed Johnson, brings his nylon stringed acoustic guitar and his highly attuned vocal and writing skills to his 6th CD release providing more than 50 minutes of Singer/Songwriter offerings. Like many of his contemporaries, Johnson seeks to attract another generation of listeners with music that blurs the line between jazz and pop as he delivers a program of 10 tunes in very stylized vocals. Johnson sings in a reflective, gentle but earnest manner - - earnest is ...
Continue ReadingFingerstyle Wunderkind Jacob Johnson Offers Spiritually Uplifting Version Of 'Jessica,' The Dickey Betts/Allman Brothers Classic
Source:
1888 Media
Rising virtuoso Jacob Johnson has announced the June 21 release of his soul-affirming, spiritually-uplifting version of “Jessica,” the iconic, transcendent Allman Brothers classic. Penned by late ABB guitarist Dickey Betts, along with contributions from guitarist Les Dudek, the original composition was named after Betts’ 1-year old daughter who crawled into the room while the song was being workshopped. Released in August 1973 as a part of the album, Brothers and Sisters, the 7-1/2 minute instrumental debuted on the Billboard Hot ...
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Nick Finzer: A Celebartion of J.J. Johnson
Source:
JazzWax by Marc Myers
J.J. Johnson was one of the most admired jazz trombonists of the post-war years. In addition to playing with a superb technique and tone, he brought a certain elegant soul to the instrument as a solo artist. Johnson began recording in 1942 with the Benny Carter Orchestra, and then had a stint with Count Basie in 1945 and early 1946. Later that year, in Juje, he led his own bebop quintet for Savoy Records. Known then as Jay Jay Johnson's ...
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Jazz Musician of the Day: J.J. Johnson
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating J.J. Johnson's birthday today!
Considered by many to be the finest jazz trombonist of all time, J.J. Johnson somehow transferred the innovations of Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie to his more awkward instrument, playing with such speed and deceptive ease that at one time some listeners assumed he was playing valve (rather than slide) trombone! Johnson toured with the territory bands of Clarence Love and Snookum Russell during 1941-42 and then spent 1942-45 with Benny ...
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Eliane Elias & Marc Johnson: Lost Bill Evans Song
Source:
JazzWax by Marc Myers
Days before Bill Evans's death on September 15, 1980, the pianist handed his bassist, Marc Johnson, a cassette tape. On the tape was a previously unperformed original by Evans called Here Is Something for You. In 2007, Eliane Elias and her partner, Marc Johnson, performed the song on video, which is up at YouTube. As you'll see, they clearly share a deep love for Evans. Marc, of course, was the last Bill Evans Trio bassist. Eliane has always had a ...
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Jazz Musician of the Day: J.J. Johnson
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating J.J. Johnson's birthday today!
Considered by many to be the finest jazz trombonist of all time, J.J. Johnson somehow transferred the innovations of Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie to his more awkward instrument, playing with such speed and deceptive ease that at one time some listeners assumed he was playing valve (rather than slide) trombone! Johnson toured with the territory bands of Clarence Love and Snookum Russell during 1941-42 and then spent 1942-45 with Benny ...
read more
Downtown's Premier Jazz Club, The Django, Announces Line-up For February Including La Reserve Records Anniversary, Calvin Johnson CD Release, Mingus Festival And More
Source:
AMT Public Relations
The Django, downtown Manhattan’s premier jazz club, continues to host today’s jazz legends and rising stars. On February 3, The Django celebrates the fifth anniversary of the Brooklyn-based record label, La Reserve, with special performances by the label’s artists. Two enchanting female vocalists celebrate Valentine’s Day 2/14 in back-to-back concerts: Martina DaSilvafollowed by Lauren Henderson. For the 14th year, the Charles Mingus Festival and High School Competition hosts the most important event in jazz education today (2/19-20). The Django’s weekly ...
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Jazz Musician of the Day: J.J. Johnson
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating J.J. Johnson's birthday today!
Considered by many to be the finest jazz trombonist of all time, J.J. Johnson somehow transferred the innovations of Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie to his more awkward instrument, playing with such speed and deceptive ease that at one time some listeners assumed he was playing valve (rather than slide) trombone! Johnson toured with the territory bands of Clarence Love and Snookum Russell during 1941-42 and then spent 1942-45 with Benny ...
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Buddy & Ella Johnson: Walk 'Em
Source:
JazzWax by Marc Myers
Back in the early 1950s, R&B was still largely unknown by white radio listeners and record buyers. Marketed to adults in Black urban neighborhoods on jukeboxes in corner bars and clubs, R&B's dance beat picked up where swing left off and modern jazz began. Swing dancing faded after World War II as marriage rates climbed. Many swing bands also cut back on touring in the late '40s due to fewer clubs thanks to higher taxes on venues that allowed dancing. ...
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J.J. Johnson and Bobby Jaspar
Source:
JazzWax by Marc Myers
Tropical storm Isaias blew into New York around 11 a.m. yesterday, whipped things around and split at about 3 p.m. When it did, the sun came out and the 35-mph gusts began, cooling things off a bit. For some reason, I craved J.J. Johnson and his distinct, muffled trombone sound. The albums I turned to were the three he made with the Belgian woodwind player Bobby Jaspar. On J Is for Jazz (1956), Dial J.J. 5 (1957) and Live at ...
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All About Jazz Columnist Discusses Kids For Coltrane On Podcast With Economist Rob Johnson
Source:
Christine Passarella
Host Rob Johnson talks to educator Christine Passarella about her program Kids for Coltrane, and the educational value of the jazz great, John Coltrane. (scroll down to listen) About Christine Passarella and Kids for Coltrane Christine Turturro Termini Passarella is an educator and founder of Kids for Coltrane. Her work focuses on jazz to teach children about American history, equality, character education, and the arts. The program helps develop a foundation for children which they take with them throughout their ...
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“…Ed Johnson composes some of the finest Brazilian music in the world from his home base in Northern California. It just goes to show that the world-wide reach of the bossa nova style popularized by Antonio Carlos Jobim, João Gilberto and Baden Powell has never lessened and infiltrates all corners of the globe. The joyful and romantic strains of bossa nova and samba are what Johnson co-opts so well with his Novo Tempo octet. (He) possesses the Milton Nascimento/Ivan Lins sweet falsetto, which he showcases on original tunes like “Song For My Daughter,” “Behind The Fire,” and “Katrina,” as well as on those mixing English and Portuguese, including “Shipwrecked (Naufragado)” and “Chorar.” But Johnson’s real strength comes with his vocalese–no traslation needed–especially when working in tandem with pianist Jennifer Scott on “Samba 2 Tom” and “Clean Up.” Although Johnson of course works the nylon string with lyrical ease, Scott Sorkin’s plugged-in accompaniment and Scott’s piano solo give tunes like “The Other Road” a delightful Metheny-esque touch. ” from JazzTimes review of The Other Road
Milton Nascimento
guitar and vocals
Bradley Leighton
flute
Eric Bolvin
trumpet
Flora Purim
vocals
Ragan Whiteside
flute
Patrick Yandall
guitar
KJ Denhert
guitar, acoustic
Christine Spero
piano
Ken Navarro
guitar
Blake Aaron
guitarArtists who share similar musical characteristics to Ed Johnson.
Wayne Shorter
saxophone
Bill Evans
piano
Joao Gilberto
vocals
Toninho Horta
guitar
Antonio Carlos Jobim
piano
Pat Metheny
guitar
Wes Montgomery
guitar
Milton Nascimento
guitar and vocals
Ivan Lins
piano and vocals
