The Pop Top Trio draws its far-flung repertoire from nearly a century of popular music, with 1959—the year the pop top was invented—as its approximate chronological center. Sometimes tender, sometimes raucous and irreverent, the trio features lush harmonies and inventive vocal arrangements by Ed Johnson. The trio’s songs come from such varied artists as the Rascals, Gene Pitney, the Bee Gees, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and George and Ira Gershwin. Johnson also adds some of his own Brazilian-tinged originals.

Johnson, a veteran guitarist, vocalist and arranger as well as songwriter, is a master of many styles, including classical, R&B, Afro-Cuban, and rock ‘n’ roll, and his original material is evocative of Brazilian pop. He has four solo recording projects to his credit and tours regularly with his band Novo Tempo. (Visit www.edbjohnson.com for more information.)  

Sylvia Herold (Wake the Dead, Euphonia, Cats & Jammers, Hot Club of San Francisco) delivers assertive guitar work and entertains audiences with her clear, captivating voice. She has four solo recordings to her credit, another four with Cats & Jammers and many others as a guest.

Chuck Ervin (Euphonia, the DialTones, Crepes Musette) supplies a jazz-inflected pulse on double bass and contributes harmony and lead vocals.