Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Dave Mason is a music legend even among fellow artists ranging from Eric Clapton to The Rolling Stones. Co-founder (with Steve Winwood), of the band, Traffic, songs like "Feelin' Alright," "We Just Disagree" and "Only You Know & I Know," have become signature hits of Mason's.
January 31, Dave Mason brings his Traffic Jam Tour to PlayhouseSquare's Ohio Theatre (8 pm), for an evening of song and music history, as he retraces the earliest days of his career with Traffic and the works that launched his successful solo career.
At age 18, the Worcester, England native teamed with Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi and Chris Wood to form the legendary band Traffic, which would have a profound effect on the genre of rock and roll. While still a teen, Mason's hit "Feelin' Alright" became a global rock anthem and has been recorded by dozens of artists (including Joe Cocker, who had a huge international hit with the song), "Feeling Alright" remains a highlight of Mason's live shows today.
After extensive touring with Traffic throughout the UK and Europe, Mason headed to the USA to pursue a solo career. He struck internationAl Gold with his debut album Alone Together, now considered a seminal rock classic. It is known for the marbleize vinyl, vertical gatefold packaging, the hits "Only You Know And I Know", "World In Changes", "Shouldn't Have Took More Than you Gave" and more. The album has sold millions of copies.
Five highly successful albums for the CBS/Sony label followed, four of which received gold album certification in the US. His next album, Let It Flow, sold millions and contains another major Mason classic, "We Just Disagree". In addition to performing to sold-out audiences and being a permanent staple in record collections and hearts of fans around the world, Mason's unique guitar work is heard on many landmark albums and songs such as the Rolling Stones' "Beggar's Banquet", George Harrison's "All Things Must Pass," Paul McCartney's "Listen To What The Man Said" and Jimi Hendrix's Electric "Ladyland". Hendrix's major rock standard "All Along The Watchtower" features Dave playing the acoustic guitars before Hendrix's soaring entrance onto the track. The song is a big favorite of Dave's, and he performs it in nearly every one of his live shows.
Dave Mason's work and career remain linked with numerous other members of the rock and roll elite, including Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Fleetwood Mac, Graham Nash, Stephen Stills, Rita Coolidge, Delaney & Bonnie, Leon Russell, Ron Wood, Jim Capaldi, Mama Cass Elliot, and The Spencer Davis Group.
Dave Mason's career spans several important rock eras, and encompasses his work as a producer, performer, songwriter, and consummate guitarist. In 2004, Mason was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his work with the groundbreaking group Traffic.
Mason is also involved in the program he co-founded, Work Vessels for Veterans (WVFV); an all-volunteer movement that provides veterans with the tools they need to transition to civilian work. Mason is also an official supporter of Little Kids Rock, a non-profit organization that provides free musical instruments and lessons to children in public schools throughout the United States.
Dave Mason tours regularly and also performs a special unplugged show with Jonathan McEuen, son of Nitty Gritty Dirt Band founder John McEuen.
For more about Dave, visit www.davemasonmusic.com or www.facebook.com/davemasonmusic.
DAVE MASON'S TRAFFIC JAM WORLD TOUR: JAN. 31 at 8 pm at
PlayhouseSquare's Ohio Theatre. Tickets are $45, $35 & $10, on sale at the PlayhouseSquare Ticket Office; playhousesquare.org and 216-241-6000.
Videos