Customer Reviews

Freelance Human Being

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Like a lot of his fans, I heard of James Lee Stanley through his long time friend, Peter Tork. When I heard that ex-Monkee, Peter Tork, was still playing after thirty years, I decided to check out his current musical act with Stanley. Although I really went to see Tork, I was blown away by his musical partner, Stanley. This led me to purchase this CD.

As so much contemporary pop/rock is doctored by electronic studio wizardy, we sometimes forget how wonderful it is to hear great singing to pretty melodies. "Freelance Human Being" allows us to remember. The CD is Stanley singing original (mostly love) songs accompanied only by his acoustic guitar. The result is some beautiful, albeit not ground breaking, music. You will find yourself singing along in no time. Great "rainy day" music! James Lee Stanley's music should be more widely heard.

This is a remarkable album...Probably the best singer/guitarist you never heard of.

I was first introduced to James Lee Stanley in the spring of 1997 when he performed with his long-time friend, Peter Tork (think MONKEES), during a tour to promote 'Two-Man Band', their duet release. To make a long story short, I was THUNDERSTRUCK. There is power and passion in this man's singing and songwriting. 'Freelance Human Being' is a gentle giant, a beautiful swan in a musical lake jammed with ugly ducklings. If you haven't heard this album, then I promise you that you're missing something special. Listening to 'Freelance Human Being' will remind you of what you love about music.

Check out James Lee Stanley's collaboration with John Batdorf on an acoustic compilation of Rolling Stones songs entitled "All Wood And Stones." 'Just Vocals and guitar, with rythmic strumming creating the sole persussive effects -- beautiful work (available on Amazon).

This is a remarkable album...Probably the best singer/guitarist you never heard of.

I first heard James' music in 1999, when I was introduced to it by my boyfriend, who had known James and seen him play around the central California region in the 70's. It wasn't long before I was hooked.

This CD is something akin to sitting in on a master class, especially if you're a musician or ever hope to be one. Having seen James live on several occasions, I can tell you this CD comes as close as any recording could to capturing the complexity, the nuance, and the intimacies that James casts upon anyone fortunate enough to have heard him in person. He possesses a personal charisma and depth that are allowed to shine here, as it is simply the man and his guitar.

His guitar playing is utterly unique. I've never heard another like him. He voices chords much like I've always thought James Taylor did--more like a piano than a guitar. But James' style is uniquely his own; full and rich and rhythmic...even orchestral. He just doesn't need a band, because all of the necessary elements are there in his fingertips.

Then there is his voice. Delicate and subtle, he can also cut right through you and make you like it. He can damage you and heal you. He can hang a note on a cloud and you just want to go there with it. Mostly, you just shake your head and ask yourself "How'd he do that?"

If this is all sounding a bit too visceral, all I can say is you just have to hear it for yourself. Then you will be, like so many others who have heard him, another fan of this extraordinarily gifted man.