Timothy B. Schmit - Day by Day (2022)

~By Mike O’Cull

Bona fide legend and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Timothy B. Schmit proves he’s still hungry to make music on his new solo album Day By Day. The record comes out May 6th, 2022 and contains 12 fresh original songs written by bassist/guitarist/vocalist Schmit and recorded with the help of a fine studio band and special guests including Jackson Browne, Lindsey Buckingham, John Fogerty, Benmont Tench, Jim Keltner, John McFee, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd.

Schmit tracked the set during breaks in the Eagles’ schedule at his private L.A. recording studio Mooselodge and co-produced with Jeff Peters, who also engineered. The songs are diverse and meaningful, combining the rock and roll, soul, West Coast country, and folk music influences that have kept TBS in demand for more than 50 years. It’s an outstanding effort full of A-List talent that’s guaranteed to make your speakers happy.

Timothy B. Schmit is most famous for his continuing gig as bassist and vocalist for mega-platinum powerhouse The Eagles. His smooth, high-register voice and bass guitar work are displayed on hits like “I Can’t Tell You Why” and “Love Will Keep Us Alive” and explain his presence in the Hall of Fame. He’s also worked with important artists including Poco, Crosby Stills & Nash, Toto, Ringo Starr, Richard Marx, Jimmy Buffet, and Steely Dan. Schmitt is one of the architects of the California country/rock sound that’s still popular and influential, as well. He’s sung and played on countless songs by other artists and has what’s quite possibly the perfect skill set for long-term success in the music business. Day By Day is his seventh solo album.

Schmit opens Day By Day with the introspective acoustic cut “Simple Man.” The song feels like TBS making a statement about where his life and head are at this point in time and demonstrates his ability to write precise original lyrics that don’t rely on cliches. Lindsey Buckingham handles lead guitar duties and former Beach Boys Chris Farmer and Matt Jardine contribute their vocal magic. This is a “dream team” lineup for this kind of folk/rock sound and makes for a breathtaking way to set the album in motion.

“The Next Rainbow” is a straight-ahead mid-speed rocker based on a power chord rhythm guitar part. It spins a little garage rock attitude into Schmit’s silky mix but also sports sweet backup vocals, horns, and a slick arrangement. The lyrics speak to his desire to keep going in music and in life and his appreciation of the daily existence he has. Schmit’s bass part locks tightly with drummer Herman Matthews to form an insistent groove that pushes ahead without losing control. The track comes off as a gritty song from a happy man. When was the last time you heard one of those?

The largely unplugged “Grinding Stone” is one of the record’s best songs and was inspired by an old millstone found near Schmit’s home left by the Chumash people. The song is a lament for the Earth, its people, and the damage done to it in the name of progress, performed from the perspective of a single piece of sacred land. Doobie Brother John McFee adds some sweet fiddle parts and Jackson Browne and John Fogerty contribute on background vocals. It’s a gorgeous song with a strong message that’s more relevant now than ever.

“Tastes Like Candy” is a shot of pure 70s radio bliss. It’s got a little Eagles to the verse but opens up into a more pop-informed chorus that’s soulful and memorable. Kenny Wayne Shepherd guests on guitar and adds his blues flavor to the track, as does former Tom Petty organist Benmont Tench. The result is a song that expresses everything about Timothy B. Schmit that makes him unforgettable all at once. Groove, vocals, songwriting, production, and more come into play at top-tier levels and make this arguably the finest cut on Day By Day. Every cut on the record is strong, however, and worthy of being your favorite. Timothy B. Schmit is a huge talent who still has his heart in the game after all this time and that fact, alone, makes it required listening for 2022 and beyond.