IT’S IRONIC THAT DAVE MASON WAS RECENTLY LISTED BY MUSIC BLOGMEISTER RICK BEATO HAS BEING A “ONE HIT WONDER” OF THE 1970S BECAUSE OF HIS 1977 HIT SINGLE “WE JUST DISAGREE”.
MASON, AT 76 YEARS OLD, MAY BE A WONDER, BUT HE SURELY HASN’T HAD ONE SINGLE HIT. IN FACT, HE HIT A HOMER WITH HIS SONG “FEELIN’ ALRIGHT’ WHICH WAS ICONICALLY COVERED BY JOE COCKER BACK IN THE DAY. HIS PRESENCE ON THE FIRST TWO ALBUMS WITH THE GROUP TRAFFIC WERE TREND SETTING, INCLUDING THE AFOREMENTIONED STANDARD AND THE FUN “YOU CAN ALL JOIN IN”.
HIS FIRST SOLO ALBUM, ALONE TOGETHER, SET THE STANDARD FOR BLUES ROCK, WITH APPEARANCES BY LEON RUSSELL AND DELANEY & BONNIE. DURING THIS PERIOD HE WAS UBIQUITOUS, JOINING IN ON SESSIONS WITH JIMMY HENDRIX, GEORGE HARRISON AND ERIC CLAPTON, TO NAME JUST A FEW.
STILL WRITING AND PERFORMING, MASON’S NEWEST RELEASE IS ACTUALLY A BOOK, HIS STORY OF LIFE, MUSIC AND BEYOND, AND THERE’S A LOT TELL.
WE HAD THE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO CHAT WITH MR. MASON JUST BEFORE HIS RECENT TOUR, AND THE DAY AFTER AS WELL. IT WAS A FASCINATING CHANCE TO TAKE IN MASON’S MUSICAL AND CULTURAL MIND BEFORE AND AFTER A M EETING WITH HIS FANS.
THE CONCERT ITSELF WAS WELL PACED, MIXING “HIT SONGS” AND SALUTES TO MUSICAL FRIENDS. MASON WAS STILL IN EXCELLENT FORM IN BOTH VOICE AND GUITAR, AND HIS PRESENCE WAS AVUNCULAR AND STRAIGHT FORWARD.
THE FOLLOWING IS OUR CHAT BEFORE AND AFTER THE GIG, WITH MASON CALLING ME BOTH TIMES. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT HIS PHONE CALLS WERE EXTREMELY PUNCTUAL, A TRAIT REFERRED TO IN THE FOLLOWING CONVERSATION
YOU NOW LIVE IN NORTHERN NEVADA. YOU USED TO LIVE NEAR OJAI. HOW DOES IT FAIR WITH YOU.
It’s been 7-8 years. It’s beautiful here.
YOU HAVE A BOOK COMNG OUT, CORRECT? WHY DO ONE AT THIS STAGE IN YOUR CAREER?
It’s due to come out in May.
For me, it was just a life story. I just happened to make music. Obviously, it’s about my career, but it’s a journey.
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“I just happened to make music”
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AS YOU LOOKED BACK ON YOUR LIFE AS YOU WROTE THE BOOK, WAS THERE ANYTHING SPECIFIC THAT SURPRISED YOU?
Everything! (laughs) It’s surprising just being here, especially still doing it at 76 years old.
WERE THERE ANY SCORES YOU WANTED TO SETTLE IN THE BOOK?
No. Things happened back then, but I now understand them. In most instances it was about me, so I don’t pick on anybody else.
WAS THERE ANY OTHER PLAN OR DIRECTION THAT YOU HAD IF THE MUSIC CAREER HADN’T TAKEN OFF?
When I was young, my dream was to go into the Royal Air Force. I always wanted to fly.
WHEN YOU WERE GROWING UP, WAS THERE ANY SPECIFIC MUSICAL ARTIST THAT GOT YOUR ATTENTION TO INSPIRE A MUSICAL CAREER?
Probably originally, Hank Marvin, the guitar player. That’s what I wanted to be, a guitar player.
That’s why I learned to sing when I was young, so I could get booked and then play guitar.
YOU BRING UP AN INTERESTING POINT, THAT WHEN YOU GREW UP, THERE WAS A PLETHORA OF GREAT GUITARISTS. WAS THERE SOMETHING SPECIAL IN THE AIR?
I don’t think there were that many great guitarists back then; there are probably more now. At least proficient guitar players. Joe Bonamassa is a great guitar player, and there are lots that can play a whole bunch of notes in a very short time. If that means anything, I don’t know.
There were a few that stood out. As good as everybody is out there today, there are no more Jimi Hendrixes.
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“As good as everybody is out there today, there are no more Jimi Hendrixes”
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YOU ARE ALSO PROFICIENT IN COMPOSING. WAS THERE A SONGWRITER THAT INSPIRED YOU?
No. Writing songs is just a process of just being in a band . When Traffic started, we needed original material, so I just started writing.
HOW HAS YOUR SONGWRITING CHANGED OVER THE YEARS?
I haven’t done much writing in the past few years, not since the advent of the internet.
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“Writing songs is just a process of just being in a band”
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WHAT WAS IT ABOUT STEVE WINWOOD AND JIM CAPALDI THAT MADE THEM THE GUYS YOU WANTED TO HAVE A BAND WITH?
Jim and I grew up together; we lived 12 miles apart. We were in bands before Traffic. I knew Steve from a very early age.
WHEN YOU LISTEN BACK TO YOUR DEBUT TRAFFIC ALBUM, WHAT THOUGHTS COME TO YOUR MIND?
My writing at that point was pretty naïve, a little trite. I was inexperienced.
I spent my childhood in the farm country, running around corn fields, building rafts. I wasn’t street hip; I didn’t have any “life experiences”.
WERE YOU SURPRISED BY THE SUCCESS OF THOSE FIRST TWO TRAFFIC ALBUMS?
No; it was just a matter of time.
YOU DID SOME WORK WITH SOME GREAT ARTISTS. I’M SURE YOUR BOOK WILL COVER THE GUYS, BUT WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON LEON RUSSELL?
He had a very unique piano style. He played piano on Alone Together. He was on two tracks, “Shouldn’t Have Took More Than You Gave” and “Look At Me”. He had a couple of albums with some great songs on them.
WAS YOUR FIRST TRAFFIC ALBUM OR YOUR OWN SOLO DEBUT RELEASE ALONE TOGETHER MORE OF A “BAPTISM BY FIRE” FOR YOU? WHICH WAS MORE OF A CHALLENGE?
They were both challenges. You are creating something out of nothing and you hope that people will like it.
WHEN’S THE LAST TIME YOU SAW STEVIE WINWOOD?
It was four years ago in San Diego
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“You are creating something out of nothing and you hope that people will like it”
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YOU’VE HAD SOME MAJOR COLLABORATIONS, AND SOME INTRIGUING ONES LIKE YOUR ALBUM WITH CASS ELLIOT. IS THAT COVERED IN YOUR BOOK?
There is something in there. There’s pretty much every stage of my life and career in it.
DO YOU HAVE ANY MAJOR REGRETS?
A number of them, like everybody, especially at age 76
SO MANY OF YOUR SONGS HAVE BEEN COVERED. DO YOU HAVE A PERSONAL FAVORITE VERSION?
Obviously, Joe Cocker’s version of “Doin’ Alright” is the iconic version. I would have loved to have heard Ray Charles do that song; that would have been cool.
YOU MENTIONED THAT YOU GREW UP ON A FARM. WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES NOW?
It’s still music; I’m playing around in my studio when I’m not on the road.
ONE OF YOUR LESSER KNOWN PERIODS WAS THE SHORT TIME YIOU WERE WITH DEREK AND THE DOMINOES. WHAT WAS THE IMPETUS FOR BEING IN THAT GROUP, AND THEN LEAVING IT.
Basically, I was there at the very beginning with them. Eric had essentially taken over Delany and Bonnie’s band, with which he’d been playing with the past two years. The details are in the book.
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“Joe Cocker’s version of “Doin’ Alright” is the iconic version. I would have loved to have heard Ray Charles do that song; that would have been cool”
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WAS THERE ANYTHING IN YOUR CAREER THAT YOU HAD FORGOTTEN, AND HAD TO BE REMINDED ABOUT?
Pretty much everything, which is why I had a co-writer Chris Epting, Chris did all of the research.
WHAT DID HE COME UP WITH THAT SURPRISED YOU?
Chris was great for doing the dates, places and the times of the events
YOU MENTIONED JOE BONAMASSA EARLIER. IS THERE ANYONE AROUND TODAY THAT REMINDS YOU OF YOUR OWN STYLE?
I don’t know. I honestly don’t know what the heck is going on these days. Other than touring, I don’t pay attention to the music business.
I have and put on all kinds of music. It depends on my mood; it could be Glenn Miller, it could be reggae. Maybe R&B, maybe jazz.
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“I spent my childhood in the farm country, running around corn fields, building rafts. I wasn’t street hip; I didn’t have any ‘life experiences’”
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IS THE ANY MUSICIAN, LIVING OR DEAD, THAT YOU’D PAY $1000 TO SEE PERFORM?
$1000? That’s a lot of money. (chuckles)
Probably Pavarotti. You should watch a Youtube video of him and James Brown singing together.
HOW DID YOU DEAL WITH THE COVID LOCKDOWN?
I basically took two years off. I spent most of it in Hawaii.
DID YOU THINK THE LOCKDOWNS AND VACCCINES WERE A GOOD IDEA?
I have no idea if they were smart or not smart. It was a pandemic; something got unleashed on the world, and it killed a lot of people.
I got vaccinated. For me it was great, as I wanted to take some time off, so the universe said “Great. Here you go”.
HAS ANYONE GIVEN YOU ADVICE THAT HAS CARRIED YOU ON THROUGH YOUR CAREER?
To be honest, it was from my parents.
I have a strong work ethic; I’m an old fashioned work ethic guy. My father had a candy store for 48 years.
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“I have a strong work ethic; I’m an old fashioned work ethic guy. My father had a candy store for 48 years”
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IS THERE ANY BOOK YOU READ, OR RELIGIOUS PHILOSOPHY THAT HAS HELPED SHAPE WHO YOU ARE?
I’ve read a lot of books. One book that I read really young that impressed me was Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. It’s a powerful story, and it’s about work ethic. The individual can make a big difference, and the masses can really screw it up.
I think we’re right there at the point where Atlas is going to shrug. (laughs)
DID YOU EVER HAVE ANY RELIGIOUS AFFILIATIONS OR BELIEFS THAT WERE INCULCATED IN YOUR YOUTH?
When I was younger I looked into most everything.
I got into playing sitar, but I was never seduced by the whole Indian thing. I wasn’t going to find myself in another culture. I’m a WASP. (laughs) Henry VIII started my church, so here I am.
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“The individual can make a big difference, and the masses can really screw it up”
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IS THERE ANYONE IN HISTORY, LIVING OR DEAD, YOU’D LOVE TO SIT DOWN FOR AN EVENING AND PICK HIS OR HER BRAIN?
If it was for music, I wish Hendrix was still around.
AT 76, DO YOU HAVE ANY FUTURE GOALS?
Just to keep walking and talking at this point and perform well on stage.
ARE YOU SURPRISED THAT YOUR MUSIC STILL CONNECTS WITH PEOPLE?
Yes, of course!
I write pretty straightforward songs that don’t have anything complicated in them. I’ve had a few of them that evidently resonate with people.
I have one song that’s still played in garages!
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I write pretty straightforward songs that don’t have anything complicated in them. I’ve had a few of them that evidently resonate with people. I have one song that’s still played in garages!
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AS YOU KNOW, THE 60s GENERATION HAD A LOT OF PERSONAL TRAGEDIES, WITH ARTISTS LIKE HENDRIX, CASS, MORRISON AND JOPLIN DYING YOUNG. HOW DID YOU SURVIVE? DID YOU HAVE ANY EXERCISE OR EATING REGIMEN?
Basically, no. I’ve just been fortunate; I’m as stupid as the rest. (laughs)
WHAT GIVES YOU THE BIGGEST JOY AT THIS STAGE IN YOUR LIFE?
My wife and I just bought this place in Nevada, and my project is to do a few things with it. This is my Alamo; it’s where I make my last stand. (chuckles)
DO YOU HAVE FOOD STORGE YET?
Not yet, but it’s coming. We’re going to probably need it.
WHAT ELSE ARE YOU DOING?
My caretaker and I have just built a new kitchen
YOU’RE GOING ON TOUR. DO YOU HAVE TO DO MUCH PRACTICING TO GET READY AT THIS STAGE IN YOUR LIFE?
No a lot. We’re probably going to just do a little the day before our first show in Thousand Oaks. It’s been awhile; I haven’t played in over four months.
After that, we’ll be out for 2 ½ weeks.
IS IT DIFFICULT TO FIND THE MUSICIANS TO PLAY WITH YOU?
John Sambataro has still been with me for over 40 years. Drummer Alvino Bennet’s been with me 19
DO YOUNGER MUSICIANS “GET” YOUR MUSIC?
I have know idea (laughs) They get it when they come to the shows, though.
THE WAY THE MUSIC INDUSTRY IS TODAY, DO YOU THINK YOU COULD STILL “MAKE IT” IF YOU WERE JUST STARTING OUT ?
I don’t know. No. Back then, when I started there was radio, there were deejays, and people who played new stuff and old stuff. People actually bought records.
WHAT’S THE BIGGEST CHANGE YOU’VE SEEN IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY THESE PAST 50 YEARS?
We’ve lost half of our income.
Everybody’s stealing everything. Everyone puts them on their G&%$*# iphones. It’s over.
IS THERE ANYWAY TO FIGHT IT?
Evidently not. The industry could have been done something a long time ago, but it’s too late now. Pandora is out of the box.
Everyone’s getting screwed. Spotify, Pandora, they don’t pay the correct royalties. It’s insane; there are no deejays anymore on the radio playing new music by artists, and the radio still is a very powerful media. As much so as the internet, if not more.
The internet is just one big G$&#^# marketplace. Unless you get positioned, you’re nothing. I have Apple ramming U2 down my &$*@& throat on the phones.
I don’t know how anyone makes it these days. You just have to utilize Youtube. If I were young, I’d probably be doing that.
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“The internet is just one big G$&#^# marketplace. Unless you get positioned, you’re nothing. I have Apple ramming U2 down my &$*@& throat on the phones”
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WAS THERE A TIME IN YOUR CAREER WHEN YOU SAT BACK AND THOUGHT “I’VE MADE IT”?
No! I’m still working on that.
POST GIG…
SEEING YOU IN CONCERT LAST NIGHT MADE ME THINK OF A COUPLE MORE QUESTIONS…
YOU PLAYED SONGS IN CONCERTS FROM A WIDE RANGE OF ARTISTS THAT YOU WERE A SIDEMAN ON. WAS THERE ONE SPECIFIC SESSION THAT MADE YOU THINK “THIS IS A SOMETHING SPECIAL” AT THAT TIME? OR, ONLY IN RETROSPECT DID YOU APPRECIATE THEIR IMPORTANCE?
They were special by nature of the artist. The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Paul McCartney all make it pretty obvious that it’s going to be important.
OF ALL OF THESE ARTISTS YOU’VE BEEN WITH, DID ANY OF THEM STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST MUSICAL MIND?
I worked with one yesterday, John McFee from the Doobie Brothers. Stevie Wonder and McCartney…they’re all great.
WHAT IS THE INGREDIENT IN THESE GREAT MINDS?
Musical proficiency and creativity.
WAS THERE ANY MUSICIAN WHO’S TECHNIQUE REALLY IMPRESSED YOU?
There are a lot of great technical guitar players, certainly way better than I am. But, does that mean that they are “better”? Do ten notes in a phrase mean more than just one? I don’t think so.
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“There are a lot of great technical guitar players, certainly way better than I am. But, does that mean that they are “better”? Do ten notes in a phrase mean more than just one? I don’t think so.
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YOU DID SOME PRETTY EXTENDED SOLOS LAST NIGHT. DO YOU KEEP THEM MUCH THE SAME, OR IS THERE ROOM FOR IMPROVISATION AND EXPERIMENTATION?
Everything is a work in progress. (laughs)
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“Everything is a work in progress”
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SOME GUITARISTS CHANGE GUITARS MANY TIMES IN ONE NIGHT. YOU KEPT FAITHFUL TO ONE.
In concert I pretty much play my red Strat. Since I was 15 I wanted one.
YOU PERFORMED A NEW SONG ABOUT YOUR LIFE ON THE ROAD. HOW DO YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK WHEN ON THE ROAD SO MUCH?
Talk to my wife! (laughs)
I just do what I do. Bless her heart for hanging on!
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE VENUE IN WHICH TO PERFORM?
Anywhere you have a great audience.
YOU MADE A JOKE ABOUT (GUTAR PLAYER’S NAME) HEIGHT, AND THEN SAID, “WE’RE NOT WOKE”. HOW DO YOU FIGHT “WOKENESS” AS AN ARTIST?
I don’t even know what “Woke” is anyway. “Woke” sounds like some character from Star Wars. (laughs) “Look out, here come the Wokes!
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“I don’t even know what “Woke” is anyway. “Woke” sounds like some character from Star Wars. (laughs) ‘Look out, here come the Wokes!'”
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AS WITH HIS CAREER AND CONCERTS, MASON IN CONVERSATION IS STRAIGHTFORWARD, WITH HIS WORK ETHIC EXEMPLIFIED NOT ONLY BY HIS MUSIC SKILLS, BUT BY HIS OUTLOOK ON THE WORLD. IT’S COMFORTING TO SEE THAT THERE ARE STILL MUSICAL ARTISTS THAT NOT ONLY TAKE THEIR CRAFT SERIOUSLY, BUT THEIR STEADFAST INDIVIDUALITY. MASON MAKES NO EXCUSES, WITH A REFRESHING ‘OLD SCHOOL’ APPROACH TO LIFE. IT’S A RETURN TO A WORLD OF A HANDSHAKE BEING AS GOOD AS A CONTRACT, A ‘YES’ MEANING ‘YES’ AND A WORD AS ONE’S BOND.
THE WORLD MAY HAVE MOVED ON FROM THESE VALUES, BUT WITH TALKING TO MASON, IT’S LIKE YOU NEVER LEFT.