Steady On
(Marc Lee Shannon)
In loving memory of Michael Stanley (1948-2021)
Vocals, Guitars: Marc Lee Shannon
Drums: Ed Davis
Keys: Dave Young
Bass: Kevin Martinez
Guest Vocals: Jennifer Lee
Produced by Ryan Humbert
Recorded and Mixed by Jim Stewart
Mastered by Paul Blakemore
Video directed and filmed by Angelo Merendino
www.marcleesshannon.com
-------- * press release * --------
Marc Lee Shannon to Release Michael Stanley Tribute “Steady On”
Akron-area veteran touring and studio musician Marc Lee Shannon will release “Steady On,” a song written in remembrance of his friend and mentor Michael Stanley, on August 6, 2021.
Shannon performed with Stanley as a member of his backup band, which would eventually be known as The Resonators, from 1996 until Stanley’s passing earlier this year. The idea for “Steady On” emerged shortly before Stanley’s diagnosis of stage four cancer. The two agreed to write the song together, but it never materialized. After Stanley passed away in March, Shannon returned to “Steady On” to honor his bandmate and address the grief over the loss of a dear friend.
“This song is deeply personal to me,” Shannon said. “It’s about how life is not a straight line -- all you can do sometimes is just go onward. It’s a memorial to my friend and an exploration of what people can do with grief.”
Shannon recorded “Steady On” in late April at Superior Sound studios in Cleveland, with Ryan Humbert, lead singer of the Americana band The Shootouts, as producer.
“‘Steady On’ isn't as much a tribute to Michael Stanley as a northeast Ohio music legend as it is an intimate look at the long-standing friendship between him and Marc,” Humbert said. “It’s a powerful message that will help others heal their own wounds just as it’s helping Marc heal his. I’m honored that Marc allowed me to help him usher this important song out into the world.”
The song also features Stanley’s longtime collaborator Jennifer Lee on vocals, fellow Resonator David Young on keys, drummer and percussionist Ed Davis, and bassist Kevin Martinez. It was recorded and mixed by Jim Stewart and mastered by Paul Blakemore. Stanley left Shannon a DanElectro Baritone guitar and a Supro amp and guitar combo, which were also used in the song’s production.
A video produced by Cleveland-based photographer Angelo Merendino will accompany the song’s release. Filmed on location in the studio, it captures Shannon, the musicians, and the production team as the music was being created. “Steady On” was recorded during the sessions for Shannon’s upcoming album, “Lucky 7,” that will be released in November.
Listeners will be able to stream or download “Steady On” on Spotify, Amazon, and Apple Music. To learn more, visit www.marcleeshannon.com.