(editor’s note – Joe Cocker was originally scheduled as the opener, but was replaced by Livingston Taylor)

Dave Mason displays talent

by Steve Grandin, The Saratogian

Dave Mason isn’t exactly your household name. Even in many rock music circles, his name doesn’t ring a bell. But the 7,000 fans that saw him play at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center Sunday evening will definitely remember the 29-year-old soft-spoken Englishman. Appearing with Mason was Livingston Taylor, the younger brother of folk-rock star James Taylor.

Mason is one of the most talented musicians that has appeared at SPAC thus far this year. He writes his own music, sings it, arranges it, and performs it. His guitar playing ability is only a notch or two below that of Eric Clapton or Richard Betts, which isn’t bad considering those men are generally thought of as the best in the world. His music is tight and well-written, and his voice is just right for the lyrics. So all in all, it’s not surprising to hear that Mason was given standing ovations on five – yes, FIVE – consecutive songs and had the audience dancing and clapping the entire evening.

Much of Mason’s music has been influenced by his participation in many groups. He has been a member of Traffic and Derek and the Dominoes, and has played with Delaney & Bonnie and Mama Cass Elliot. The entire concert seemed like something out of the early ’70’s, with the familiar songs and fine jamming taking the listeners back to a better day of rock ‘n roll.

Opening with a cut from a soon-to-be-released album, Mason’s performance went completely uphill. He did songs from previous albums such as “Waiting on You,” “Lot To Learn,” and “Long, Lost Friend” as well as a tune from Traffic’s album Mr. Fantasy, “All Join In”. Until the wild end of the evening, Mason’s top songs were “Show Me Some Affection” and “Every Woman,” while the crowd was extremely impressed with Mason’s jamming on”Save Your Love.”

The entire night broke loose when Mason went into “All Along the Watchtower”. It got crazier when he played “Only You Know And I Know” and “Feelin’ Alright,” a pair of Mason songs made famous by others. Mason came back to play a pair of encores, with “Bring It On Home” being the best.

Before his performance, Mason said that he was currently trying to get a hit single, something that has avoided him in his nine-year musical career. It seems like almost any song that he played Sunday night would make it into the “Top 40,” something he is looking for. Mason is fairly well known on FM radio, but still lacks the exposure of AM stations. If he feels that a top single is his key to total fame, Mason may very well soon find himself being one of the top rock attractions around.

Mason told reporters that he would rather play with his current background band than anyone else around. After viewing the concert, it is easy to see why. Gerald Johnson and Jim Krueger, on the bass and guitar, complemented Mason perfectly, while organist Mark Jordon had some fine solos, and drummer Rick Jaeger was very steady.

The people that saw Dave Mason were not only entertained, but will probably remember the concert over almost any other they see. Talent wins out once again.

Syracuse Herald-Journal, July 4, 1975

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