Ronny Sianturi
The music world mourns the loss of David Thomas Mason, the influential singer, songwriter, and guitarist, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 79. Mason, a pivotal figure in the psychedelic rock movement and a co-founder of the legendary band Traffic, was celebrated for his distinctive guitar work, soulful vocals, and enduring songwriting. His family confirmed the news in a statement shared with Rolling Stone, expressing "deep and profound sadness" and noting that "Dave Mason lived a remarkable life devoted to the music and people he loved." The cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
Mason’s career spanned over five decades, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of popular music. He first achieved widespread recognition as a founding member of Traffic, a band that emerged from the vibrant British music scene of the mid-1960s. Within Traffic, Mason penned one of the group’s most iconic and enduring songs, "Feelin’ Alright," a track that would later be immortalized by Joe Cocker’s powerful rendition. Beyond his contributions to Traffic, Mason carved out a successful solo career, achieving a significant U.S. hit in 1977 with the introspective ballad "We Just Disagree," co-written with Jim Krueger. His extensive discography also includes collaborations with a constellation of music legends, including Paul McCartney, George Harrison, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Michael Jackson, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Steve Winwood, Fleetwood Mac, Delaney Bramlett, and Cass Elliot, underscoring his widespread respect and influence among his peers.
A Life Shaped by Music and Resilience
Born on May 10, 1946, in Worcester, England, David Thomas Mason’s early life was marked by a significant childhood challenge. At the age of five, a fall from a ceiling loft resulted in a hipbone injury and a subsequent rare disease that necessitated an 18-month hospital stay and a lengthy period of learning to walk again. This early adversity, however, did not define his path. While his initial aspirations leaned towards a career in the Royal Air Force, a teenage discovery of the guitar at age 16 ignited a passion that would redirect his destiny. By 17, he was a working musician, a journey that began with his first band, The Jaguars.
His musical trajectory quickly gained momentum with the formation of The Hellions, a period during which he forged a lifelong friendship with drummer Jim Capaldi. This creative partnership would prove foundational, leading to the co-writing of their first song, "Shades of Blue." The duo’s early work, including a B-side cover of Jackie DeShannon’s "Daydreaming of You" produced by Kim Fowley, showcased their burgeoning talent. Their shared musical vision continued to evolve through another group, The Deep Feeling, before culminating in the formation of Traffic with Steve Winwood and Chris Wood, acquaintances of Capaldi.
The Genesis of Traffic and Creative Tensions
The early days of Traffic were characterized by a period of intense creative incubation. The band retreated to a secluded stone cottage in the English countryside to craft the material for their landmark 1967 debut album, Mr. Fantasy. This album, a seminal work of psychedelic rock, introduced the world to Traffic’s innovative sound. The band’s initial single, "Paper Moon," was penned by Winwood and Capaldi, but it was Mason’s contribution, "Hole in My Shoe," that captured the public’s imagination, soaring to number two on the UK charts. Mason’s distinct musicality, characterized by whimsical melodies, a light touch, and mellow vocals, offered a compelling counterpoint to Winwood’s contributions, such as "Utterly Simple" and "House for Everyone." His demonstrated virtuosity on instruments like the sitar, alongside his guitar and vocal prowess, highlighted his multifaceted talent within the group.
Despite the critical acclaim and burgeoning success, Mason’s tenure with Traffic was marked by creative friction, particularly with Steve Winwood. These artistic differences led to Mason’s sudden departure following the release of their debut album. He subsequently recorded a solo single, "Little Woman," for Island Records. Although he briefly rejoined Traffic during the sessions for their second, self-titled album, which featured his iconic "Feelin’ Alright," his artistic path diverged once more. Mason relocated to the United States in 1968, embarking on a solo career, though he would reunite with Traffic for select performances during their early American tours.
A Prolific Session Musician and Solo Acclaim
The late 1960s and early 1970s were a period of immense creative output for Mason, not only as a solo artist but also as a highly sought-after session musician. His ability to adapt and contribute to diverse musical styles made him a valuable collaborator. He played a pivotal role in Jimi Hendrix’s legendary rendition of Bob Dylan’s "All Along the Watchtower," contributing the 12-string acoustic guitar part. His uncredited appearances on landmark albums such as The Rolling Stones’ Beggars Banquet, through his connection with producer Jimmy Miller, and George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass, alongside Eric Clapton, further cemented his reputation.
Mason’s vocal contributions also left their mark on influential tracks, including Hendrix’s "Crosstown Traffic" and The Beatles’ "Across the Universe." His resume of collaborations reads like a who’s who of 20th-century music, featuring guest spots with Graham Nash, Paul McCartney on Venus and Mars, Joe Walsh, Ron Wood, Eric Clapton on Crossroads, and Stephen Stills.
Relocating to Los Angeles in 1969, Mason joined Delaney & Bonnie & Friends, where his lead guitar work caught the attention of Eric Clapton, who would subsequently join the ensemble. It was during this period that his song "Only You Know and I Know" became a number two hit for the group. In 1970, Mason signed with Blue Thumb Records as a solo artist, commencing a period of prolific solo work. His debut album, Alone Together, released in June 1970, was a critical and commercial success, peaking in the Top 25. The album featured a re-recorded version of "Only You Know and I Know," which became a Top 40 hit, further establishing his solo credentials.
His friendship with Cass Elliot of The Mamas & the Papas led to a collaborative album, Dave Mason & Cass Elliot, released in 1971, following successful joint performances at iconic venues like the Hollywood Bowl and the Fillmore East. He also briefly reconnected with a new iteration of Traffic for the live album Welcome to the Canteen.
Mason’s early career was not without its turbulence. He was briefly an original member of Derek and the Dominos, contributing to several tracks before Duane Allman joined the band prior to the recording of "Layla." Mason cited creative differences and a lack of structured rehearsal as reasons for his departure.
Navigating the Music Industry and Solo Success
Legal entanglements with Blue Note Records led to a protracted period where Mason’s follow-up to Alone Together was delayed. This resulted in the unauthorized release of material, including the albums Headkeeper (1972) and Dave Mason Is Alive (1973). After declaring personal bankruptcy to extricate himself from the label, Mason signed with Columbia Records. His 1973 album for Columbia, It’s Like You Never Left, featured the ballad "The Lonely One," notable for a harmonica solo by Stevie Wonder.
However, it was the 1977 album Let It Flow that brought Mason significant commercial success. The album achieved platinum status, propelled by the hit single "We Just Disagree," which reached number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was later covered by country artist Billy Dean. This period also saw Mason venture into film, playing himself in the 1979 roller disco movie Skatetown, U.S.A., for which he also wrote and performed two songs. His 1980 album, Old Crest on a New Wave, included a duet with Michael Jackson on the song "Save Me."
Mason was a major concert draw during this era, headlining venues like Madison Square Garden and the L.A. Forum. However, his career was temporarily impacted by struggles with drug and alcohol addiction. He returned to recording in the late 1980s, releasing Some Assembly Required (1987) and Two Hearts (1987). In the mid-1990s, he briefly joined a revamped Fleetwood Mac lineup for tours and the 1995 album Time, contributing to two co-written songs.
A Legacy of Enduring Music and Philanthropy
In 1997, Mason was slated to join Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, performing some of his most celebrated hits, but was removed from the lineup shortly before the tour commenced. Despite this setback, he continued to be an active touring artist, releasing a Dave Mason Live at Sunrise DVD in 2002 and performing extensively with his bands, Dave Mason Band and Traffic Jam.
The year 2004 marked a significant professional milestone when Traffic and Mason were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Dave Matthews, a testament to their profound impact on the music industry. Mason continued to release new material, with his first solo album in over two decades, 26 Letters, 12 Notes, arriving in 2008. He also began releasing archival recordings, including Future’s Past (2014) and Traffic Jam (2016), which featured both new songs and re-recordings of his classic hits.
Beyond his musical achievements, Dave Mason was actively involved in philanthropic endeavors. He was an official supporter of Little Kids Rock, an organization dedicated to providing free music education and instruments to underserved public school students. He also served as a founding board member of Yoga Blue, which focuses on holistic recovery practices for individuals battling substance abuse. Furthermore, he co-founded Rock Our Vets, a charity that aids homeless veterans with essential supplies, educational support, and suicide prevention programs.
Dave Mason’s enduring legacy is one of musical innovation, resilience, and a deep commitment to his craft and community. His passing leaves a void in the music world, but his extensive catalog of songs and his contributions to the tapestry of rock and roll will continue to resonate for generations to come.
