First Listen: Enchantment's E J Johnson sings for his "Valentine"

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    Enchantment has long been a favorite of SoulTracks, and the group's lead singer, E.J. Johnson, is one of the first artists we interviewed on SoulTracks when we started in 2003. He is also a SoulTracks Lifetime Achievement Award winner, too.  So when we heard that E.J. was releasing a new song, written for him by his son, Emanuel Johnson II, we knew we had to share it with SoulTrackers. Here is Emanuel II's description of how the song came to be:

    Enchantment has long been a favorite of SoulTracks, and the group's lead singer, E.J. Johnson, is one of the first artists we interviewed on SoulTracks when we started in 2003. He is also a SoulTracks Lifetime Achievement Award winner, too.  So when we heard that E.J. was releasing a new song, written for him by his son, Emanuel Johnson II, we knew we had to share it with SoulTrackers. Here is Emanuel II's description of how the song came to be:

    I was inspired to write a song to commemorate this special moment of love. It all began with just a simple concept and hook in my head. Immediately, I went to the keyboard which was then sitting in the middle of my living room and started tracking the music. I knew that it had to be something smooth, soothing, sensual and romantic. As I began writing the lyrics that so naturally came together it didn't take long to realize that this was becoming something special. Upon completion of the arrangements and demo vocals (that I recorded in my bathroom) I was soo excited that I wanted to share it with everyone.
     
    Once the decision was made to share a snippet of the raw demo, there was only one person that came to mind to perform it and it was my dad (Emanuel E J Johnson). As much music as we've shared and released over the years as artists, we'd never collaborated nor worked on any music together. It was so clear to me that this was our moment. Called dad who agreed to sing lead and as I played the demo for him, he overwhelmingly approved and said yes son, "that's a great song". Then much to my surprise utilizing the gift of perfect pitch calling out the correct key of the song (B flat) without any assistance of an instrument. The following night we headed to the studio to lay down dad's lead vocals and although I guided him through minor details, I was in complete awe watching how he could take one line, lace and caress the melodic phrasing (with conviction of only a soul legend could do) and completely change the feeling of that line or lyric.
     
     
    It is always great to hear EJ, but the family story behind this song makes this one that much more special. So, with that background, check out this special Valentine's Day performance by the great Emanuel E.J. Johnson:
     
    Emanuel E.J. Johnson - "Valentine"