Ed Johnson & Novo Tempo
Movimento
(Cumulus – 2004)
by Paula Edelstein
Ed Johnson formed Novo Tempo after recording Over That Wave. The name mean new time or ne times and was taken from the title of song composed by Ivan Lins and Vitor Martins. Movimento, Ed Johnson’s third solo recording, features the Brazilian guitarist on both original compositions and covers written by well-known Brazilian composers. The recording opens with “Scotch Baiao” an original song that features the Brazilian baiao rhythm that became popular in Rio de Janeiro around 1950 as a reaction to the popular music of that time. Kristen Strom plays a pleasant soprano sax solo that compliments Johnson’s cool guitar licks and swaying rhythms.
“Movimento” is a beautiful vocal ballad that features Johnson’s harmonious voice in tandem with samba accents and coloring from Strom beautifully placed accompaniament. This song draws the listener to its core with its beautiful lyrics and actually conjures up the movement of coconut tree fronds in a breezy, light wind. Accompanied by such jazz luminaries sa Rene Worst on bass, Scott Sorkin on guitar, Jeff Busch on percussion, Mark Ivester on drums & percussion, Kristen Strom on sax, flute and vocals, Jennifer Scott on piano and vocals and John Worley, Jr. on trumpet, flugelhorn, Movimento is the epitome of great Brazilian jazz and one that deserves a place in your Brazilian Jazz collection.