Artist: James Lee Stanley
Album: The Day Today
Label: Beachwood Recordings
Release Date: 04/30/2024
Since releasing his eponymous first album in 1973, James Lee Stanley has never been hyped, sensationally advertised, overly promoted, overplayed, reached market saturation or achieved top-of-the-pops fame and fortune. And that’s too bad because he has been critically acclaimed, commended by colleagues, recommended by collaborators and lauded by live audiences —consistently—throughout his fabulous 53-year career. James is beloved by a devoted fan base of those in the know, and today’s the day that now you too can get hip. Jump on his one-man bandwagon and enjoy the ride!
If it’s true, as advertised, that The Day Today will be Stanley’s final CD, then he certainly did save his best for last. With contributions from a dozen special guest musicians, this spectacular collection of 17 new, original, outstanding, diverse and sagaciously-sequenced songs is flawless. Opening track, “Wake The Flock Up,” is Stanley’s clarion call, not to arms, but to consciousness. Masterfully crafted, written, arranged, recorded, produced, played and sung, it’s a harbinger of everything that follows.
“We Do The Best We Can” pays bouncy, buoyant, uplifting and encouraging tribute to the doers that get things done: dancing honey bees, joyful sparrows, spinning spiders, weaving weavers, singing singers. (And this review-writing writer!) “The Carnival” is reflective, evocative, mournful, plaintive, poetically pathetic and gorgeously voiced.
On the political side, “America’s A Gun” is Stanley’s exquisite (and definitive) version of Briton Brian Bilston’s 2016 poem in song. Short and sweet, its delicate acoustic guitar and lush harmonies create a light, bright, luscious lullaby, but for the very dark, stark reality and inconvenient truth about the United States of Arms. “Cold Ukrainian Night” laments feeling helpless amidst war yet resolving to light candles, never surrender and remember. (Easily substitute Ukrainian with American, Colombian, Iranian, Egyptian, Jordanian, Romanian, Estonian, Slovakian, Somalian, Algerian, Cambodian, Liberian, et cetera, ad nauseum, to bewail any of the many past, present or future inhumane horrors!), while “Tumbling Down These Stairs” is a fun, steady-drivin’, rockin’-n-rollin’ off-road travelling song that fittingly fades into the sunset.
Stanley’s ethereal voice explores rambling, gambling, debts, regrets, life-long love, second chances, celebration and euphoria.
Brooklyn Bridge-inspired bonus track “Brick At A Time” is Stanley’s swinging, swaying, rollicking, frolicking, lilting love letter to New York City and a fabulous grand finale to Stanley’s superb 33rd album.
In the midst of a “4th Annual Farewell Tour” James Lee Stanley celebrated his 80th birthday on April 30, 2026. When I grow up I want to be like him: a happy, healthy, wealthy, wise (not wizened), cool, accomplished and acclaimed “Rocktogenarian!” Amen.
—Dennis McDoNoUgh
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