FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Lamont
Johnson, Former Bassist For ‘70’s Funk Band, Brainstorm, Re-Releases the Soul
Classic, “This Must Be Heaven,” on New Album
A 27-Year Journey From Funk
to Freedom
Detroit, MI, January 30, 2004 –
Twenty-seven years ago the Detroit band, Brainstorm, made it big with its 1977,
debut album, “Stormin’”. The single,
“Lovin’ is Really My Game,” made it to number 14 on the Billboard R&B chart
and a second single, “Wake Up And Be Somebody,” climbed to number 48. While
never released as a single, “This Must Be Heaven,” is a soul classic, and has
found new life in former Brainstorm bassist, E. Lamont Johnson’s, re-release on
his latest album, “This Must Be Heaven 2004.”
“Many times I have asked myself, ‘Why hasn’t this
song been re-issued? Has it been overlooked?’” questioned Johnson. Well as the
saying goes, ‘if you want something done right, do it yourself.’ Lamont does it
right with a velvety vocal that is true to the original but captures the growth
and maturity of 27 intervening years. Johnson admits to sharing an extreme
fondness for the song that he co-wrote and says that, “the many stories told to
me as a result of this composition, have compelled me to record it once again.”
Johnson is a self-taught musician, singer,
songwriter, producer and electric bass instructor. He was born and raised in
Detroit and recognized his talents and musical calling early in life. His
latest album is an eclectic mix of original jazz, pop, country, blues and
R&B compositions showcasing his amazing abilities.
Johnson has recorded with numerous local talent throughout the Detroit area and internationally known artists such as David Sanborn, the Brecker Brothers, the late great Phyllis Hyman, Anita Baker with Chapter 8, Hamilton Bohannon, Tom Scott, David T. Walker, Harvey Mason, Earth, Wind & Fire’s horn section, and Lee Ritenour to name a few.
When asked why he has chosen to remain a musical secret since the early 1990’s, Lamont’s response is philosophical; “As for me being a musical secret, it has never been my intention to become some high profile individual. To be perfectly honest with you, it wasn’t until hearing Donny Hathaway’s ‘Everything is Everything,’ featuring bassist Willie Weeks’ solo, that I desired to play bass. The ability to sing came as a surprise when Chuck [former Brainstorm leader, Chuck Overton] first was going to sing the song, ‘This Must Be Heaven,’ with a falsetto voice”.
Johnson goes on to say that in addition to his desire to make music, he had four goals in life, all of which he has accomplished:
” 1. To become one of Detroit’s best bassists;
2. To make a comfortable living playing music;
3. To travel the world off the
strength of my music;
4. To enjoy a happy family life
while actively involved in music.”
He now has new goals!
“There is only one
success…to be able to spend your life in your own way,” says Johnson.
Johnson’s comments on the rise and fall of Brainstorm
are included on his new website, www.eulajohn.com. “Brainstorm
was not ready for success. Things happened too fast. We
were still kids (at least in the mind). We allowed one individual in the group
to manipulate us,” says Johnson on his website. The site also includes eleven
samples from his upcoming album, including a sample from the title track,
“This Must Be Heaven 2004.”
Johnson’s
new CD is scheduled to be released in February of 2004, and can be purchased
on www.cdbaby.com. For
Johnson’s spin on questions such as, “What became of Brainstorm?” and “Why
did Brainstorm break up?” check out Johnson’s website at www.eulajohn.com.
# # #
For additional information Contact: E. Lamont Johnson by email
at eulajohn2000@sbcglobal.net (P.O. Box 760484, Lathrup Village, MI 48076)
- website: www.eulajohn.com)
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