James Day Leavitt is a Portland, Maine based interdisciplinary artist (poetry, music, painting). He has published 5 books of poetry including Like a Warped Mirror (2011, Ninepoint). He previously released three albums, When It's Gone (2011), Fragments Become Whole (2016) and Skylark (2023). 

 

His new record, Pelican Suite, was released in July of 2026. Produced by James and Grammy nominated Kosta Johnson at [the square] in Portland, it features a contemplative, meditative sound which highlights James' fingerstyle acoustic guitar playing and poetic songwriting. The centerpiece of the record is a 12+ minute suite that is played in Pelican Tuning (DADEAD) on the guitar. The record features Portland based musicians Alma June on backing vocals and Graham Ganter on Violin. Their stellar contributions help accentuate the emotional content of the record. Joe Beninati provided tasteful drums on all tracks.​

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A limited edition of 100 colored vinyl copies were pressed. The record is also available on digital platforms. 

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He is also the host of the Music of Words radio show on WMPG every other Tuesday night from 7-8:30pm.​​