Article first published as Interview: Musician James Lee Stanley on All Wood and Doors on Blogcritics.

All Wood and Doors

James Lee Stanley is a musician that clearly considers and explores music in extremely unique ways. His musical curiosity is fully evident in his latest project with Cliff Eberhardt, All Wood and Doors, an acoustic guitar exploration of classic Doors songs. The 12-song project, which was released this month by Beachwood Recordings, has support and involvement from two Doors members (John Densmore and Robby Krieger). The release (described at Stanley’s site as “An amazing collection of Doors tunes played on acoustic guitars and laden with soulful vocals and joyous harmonies”) also has the involvement of numerous talented musicians including Peter Tork, Timothy B Schmit, Laurence Juber, Paul Barrere and Chad Watson. Stanley was kind enough to discuss this project with me, as well as his new solo release (Backstage at the Resurrection) in the following email interview.

Tim O’Shea: While John Densmore and Robby Krieger were complimentary of the project and expressed interest in working with you two on this Doors collection, I am wondering if there was part of you that was intimidated by the prospect of working with them?

James Lee Stanley: I was certainly thrilled to have not only their blessings, but also their contributions; however I don’t recall feeling any intimidation. After playing music all my life and recording 25 other CDs and producing many other artists, soundtracks, scoring TV shows, writing musicals, performing, and session work, it just seemed like more musicians coming together for the sake of the music. And they were both, congenial, professional and just fun to hang with. I was not only honored to be with them, but had a great time.

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