Classical. Brazilian. Rhythym and Blues. 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 ever heard before.

 

Bossa nova is a string that runs throughout The Other Road, playing it traditionally while also combining it with jazzy elements to bring out the best out of each musician and of course each song.  The playing is very strong throughout, and while "mellow" tends to turn a few people away when it comes to jazz, in this case it is said with compliments to the album, and anyone who ever said a smoother style of jazz needs to be boring and predictable needs to pick this up and play it many times over. It's contemporary jazz without the contempt, prepare to be surprised.

Buy it at CD Baby --- The Other Road 

 

 

 

Mentor to innumberable 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. To learn more about Ed, check out his website.