A Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and founding member of fabled English rock band Traffic, Dave Mason has had an amazing career. A widely respected player, songwriter and vocalist, Mason worked with Jimi Hendrix on the Electric Ladyland cut of Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower.” The years 1967-69 were a period of terrific creativity as Mason formed Traffic with Steve Winwood and Jim Capaldi, and the band had a huge hit with Mason’s “Feelin’ Alright.” Mason also was close to Rolling Stones producer Jimmy Miller, and worked with that band on Beggars Banquet. Mason’s “Only You Know and I Know” was an early example of Americana influences sneaking into post-psychedelic rock. But Mason has been and remains a restless musical figure, moving in and out of bands, working solo or changing musical partners as his mood and need require. Probably the height of his solo career was 1977 single “We Just Disagree,” which made it to No. 12 on the charts. It remains an evergreen staple of oldies radio and a milepost for that lush late-’70s pop-rock sound. First and foremost a player and performer, Mason continues to tour widely and plays at least 100 shows a year.
This article appears in Feb 18-24, 2010.