Ed Johnson is one of those musicians who seem to float under the radar just enough to be a well-kept secret, but when you finally stumble upon his work, it feels like you’ve uncovered a hidden gem. His latest release, For Every Living Thing, with his band Novo Tempo, is like a breath of fresh air in the jazz scene—a scene that, let’s be honest, can sometimes feel like it’s rehashing the same old standards.
This is Ed Johnson’s third album with Novo Tempo, and if you’re wondering why you should care, it’s because Johnson brings something uniquely vibrant to the table. The album’s production, handled by Johnson himself along with Scott Sorkin—a name that’s equally respected in the world of guitar, composition, and production—is as smooth as the music itself. They’ve clearly taken their time to craft something that doesn’t just play in the background but invites you to really listen. This is the kind of album that makes you want to pour a glass of wine, sit back, and let the music wash over you.
Ed Johnson assembled a truly solid team: Canadian pianist/singer Jennifer Scott , woodwind player Kristen Strom, brass man John Worley, guitar/mandolin wizard Scott Sorkin, Canadian bass star Rene Worst, drummers Mark Ivester , Jason Lewis, and percussionist Michaelle Goerlitz. Guest artists on the album include trombone player Jeff Cressman, percussionist Jeff Busch and Tara Caldwellon backing vocals.
It should be noted that Ed Johnson’s music always stood out for its vibrant Brazilian and Afro-Cuban accents. The concept of “Brazilian jazz” is as undefined as jazz itself, which constantly evolves, absorbing elements from various musical traditions. This genre combines Afro-Brazilian rhythms, harmonies, and the improvisation of American jazz, but it cannot be reduced to a single formula, as it encompasses a wide range of styles – from bossa nova and samba to jazz fusion and avant-garde. The album primarily consists of original compositions with the band’s signature Brazilian sound, ten tracks explore themes of finding joy in adversity, caring for our planet, and how love transforms and sustains us all.
“Little Baião” and “No Stopping the Beat (New Day Rising),” which open the album, reminded me of legends about magical creatures, the guardians of the Amazon forests and waters. From the first chords, it becomes clear: there is true chemistry in Novo Tempo. Here, every musician plays a key role, they are like a single organism, where everyone knows when to step back and when to add their bright note. Take, for example, the sparkling track “For Every Living Thing.” It’s like a whirlwind carnival from Rio, where each rhythm is a spectacle of its own, crafted with precise compositional finesse. Or the warmth of “Coral Sea” like a sea breeze, where the vocal parts envelop you with sweet languor. With gliding woodwinds, the soft sound of all the instruments, and vocals, the track “Where Or When” is nominated by many as one of the best on the album. However, my personal favorites are the tender, at times vintage “Balancing” and the sparkling “Out of Time.” I felt a special tenderness in the musicians’ playing and in the vocal performance on the track “Love as One.” There is a particular delicacy here – it’s not intrusive, but deeply moving.
I like that the album includes classical hits which also appear in fresh and unexpected interpretations by Ed Johnson. For example, “Lua Soberana.” If you’ve heard this song before, be prepared for a new take on it. Johnson, in this version, adds a few layers of mystery and melancholy, making it unforgettable. And now, pay attention to the final chord “Meu País” – composed by Ivan Lins-Vitor Martins. This track concludes the album with a beautiful musical celebration. It concludes the album with a true poem about homeland, human emotions, and experiences. Ed Johnson and his band Novo Tempo are masters of their craft and leave no room for superficial perception.
Ed Johnson and Novo Tempo do what they do best—create an atmosphere that turns an ordinary moment into something a little more special. By the time the last track fades out, you might just find yourself feeling a bit lighter, a bit more at ease, and a lot more in tune with the world around you.
And the best part? You can enjoy this musical magic wherever you are because For Every Living Thing is available on all streaming platforms. So go ahead, let the music of Ed Johnson and Novo Tempo brighten your mood just a little bit more.
The writer was originally contacted via SubmitHub
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