Review: Dave Mason ‘A Shade of Blues’
By Hal Horowitz
While singer/songwriter/guitarist Dave Mason hasn’t been a blues musician in the traditional sense, the music has been woven through his professional life. As an on-again/off-again member of Traffic, the genre was one aspect of their diverse folk/rock/psychedelic style. His archetypal compositions such as “Only You Know and I Know” (made famous by Delaney & Bonnie) and “Feelin’ Alright” are roots inflected. And anyone who famously worked with Hendrix and the Stones, has blues in their DNA.
So the concept of a blues-based collection by Mason isn’t much of a stretch. And even though some of these tracks have been floating around for a while, over a decade in one case, most with different players, gathering and remixing them for this conceptual disc makes sense.
It never hurts to have Joe Bonamassa around bringing younger ears to those who might not be aware of the 79 year-old Mason’s extensive career. Joe contributes to three tracks (two are covers of Traffic standards) demonstrating his dedication to helping a journeyman like Mason reach a larger audience on this, his 21st studio outing.
The opening “Use It or Lose It,” recorded 12 years ago, kick starts the festivities with a sprightly shuffle. It begins with an acoustic opening before Mason and Bonamassa shift into the sing-along chorus (“that feels pretty good now!” Mason exclaims in a jubilant aside, along with laughing, that’s surely unrehearsed) and some tight, plugged-in playing. They are clearly having fun.
Joe returns to assist on a revised “Dear Mr. Fantasy” adding support to the UK classic Mason was initially involved with. A surprise interpretation on “The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys” (Mason neither wrote, played or sung on the 1971 Traffic recording) slows the tempo, bringing a swampy feel for the first half, then flowing to the original’s more jazz oriented approach. Most won’t recognize it until Mason sings.
Robert Johnson’s “Come On in My Kitchen,” Elmore James’ “Dust My Blues” (in a wonderfully raw take captured when the players didn’t think tape was rolling) and the traditional “Cocaine Blues” display Mason’s dedication to the form with raw acoustic work on these classics. While no one will best Albert King on Booker T. and William Bells’ “Born Under a Bad Sign,” this reading is more than credible, emphasizing Mason’s gritty voice. He is also credited with piano and overdubbing the brass backing.
There’s some rootsy, reggae-inflected pop that Mason has excelled in on “Fool in Love” and a sidetrack into an energetic Spanish instrumental “El Toro,” featuring saxist Warren Hill, bringing yet more flavors to this soulful stew. The late keyboard legend Mike Finnigan (who passed in 2021 and, like Mason, also played with Hendrix) appears on the closing pop/blues/gospel “Good 2 U.” It serves as a tribute to this unheralded backing musician.
The title implies this isn’t a straight blues set but, like Steve Miller, Dave Mason infuses the sound into much of what he plays. While best known for easy listening hits like “We Just Disagree” and “Every Woman,” this gathering of Mason’s bluesy aspects highlights another side of this veteran musician.
Pre-save the album here
“Dear Mr. Fantasy (feat. Joe Bonamassa)”
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