Dave Mason left Traffic in 1969 to pursue a solo career in the U.S. Dave has penned over 100 songs, has 3 gold albums: Alone Together, Dave Mason, Mariposa De Oro, and platinum album Let It Flow, which contained the top-ten single “We Just Disagree”.
In addition to cranking out hits, Dave has performed on, or contributed to, a number of famous albums, including: The Rolling Stones’ Beggars Banquet, George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass, Paul McCartney and Wings’ Venus and Mars, and Jimi Hendrix’s Electric Ladyland. Mason is featured playing acoustic guitar in “All Along the Watchtower” on Electric Ladyland, a favorite in Dave’s live shows!
Dave, a prolific artist in his own right, has collaborated with an enviable list of the who’s who in the music industry … Jimi Hendrix, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Graham Nash, Stephen Stills, Rita Coolidge, Delaney & Bonnie, Leon Russell, Ron Wood, Steve Winwood, Eric Clapton, and Jim Capaldi, just to name a few. In addition to his own productions, Mason’s distinctive work is featured on numerous gold and platinum albums such as:
Jimi Hendrix Electric Ladyland “All Along The Watchtower” (acoustic guitar) and “Crosstown Traffic” (vocals)
George Harrison All Thing Must Pass (various tracks),
The Rolling Stones Beggars Banquet “Street Fighting Man” (shehnai and mellotron)
Paul McCartney and Wings Venus And Mars “Listen To What The Man Said” (guitar)
Graham Nash Songs For Beginners
David Crosby & Graham Nash, Graham Nash David Crosby
Dave Mason & Cass Elliot (Mamas & Papas) Dave Mason & Cass Elliot
The Spencer Davis Group “Somebody Help Me”, “Gimme Some Lovin’” and “I’m A Man” (vocals)
Fleetwood Mac Time (guitar, vocals)
Eric Clapton Crossroads (guitar)
DISCOGRAPHY
When Dave is not Touring
He spends his time writing and producing music in his home studio.
In addition, Dave supports philanthropic efforts for non-profits: Sophia's Mission, Hawaii Community Foundation-Maui Strong Fund, and Maui Food Bank.
THE BAND
MEET THE BAND
MARTY FERA
PERCUSSION
MARK STEIN
KEYS / VOCALS
JOHNNE SAMBATARO
GUITAR / VOCALS
RAY CARDWELL
BASS / VOCALS
CHRIS CURTIS
FOH ENGINEER
ANDY NERAL
STAGE MANAGER
CRAIG BETTINSON
TOUR MANAGER
WINIFRED WILSON
TOUR HOSTESS
KEITH DEHNERT
WAREHOUSE MANAGER
TRAFFIC
traffic
Traffic operated on the cutting-edge of the late sixties music scene at a time of rapid and remarkable evolution, and the group expanded rock's sonic palette. Whereas most progressive British bands were based in London, Traffic retreated to a secluded cottage in the countryside. A key component of Traffic's mythology is their communal stone cottage in Berkshire, where the group could soak up inspiration and work without distraction. It was here the group wrote and rehearsed material for two of the most remarkable and influential albums of the Sixties Mr. Fantasy and Traffic.
The group's first single was the Steve Winwood and Jim Capaldi composition "Paper Sun". The group followed up this hit (number five in the U.K.) with Mason's "Hole in My Shoe", which rose to number two in the charts in the U.K. Mason also appeared on Traffic’s debut album, Mr. Fantasy. His whimsical melodies and good-time feel incorporated simple, yet rich lyrics and ensured a delightful contrast to the band’s music. His vocals added a mellower texture to Winwood's and heightened musical interest. Mason’s three tracks, "Utterly Simple", "House for Everyone", and “Hope I Never Find Me There" had instant appeal and helped solidify Mr. Fantasy as ‘one of the best [albums] from any contemporary group’ according to Rolling Stone. The album offered Mason a chance to shine and become recognized for his obvious virtuosity on sitar, vocals and guitar.
Mason was a musical perfectionist like Winwood. However, the two had different approaches. Mason was starting the process of establishing himself as an artist and recognized following his ideals would estrange him from the band; so Mason left Traffic before Mr. Fantasy was released. After leaving the group, he recorded a solo single, "Little Woman", released by Island in 1968. The B-side, "Just for You", appeared as the opening track of of Traffic’s third studio album, Last Exit. In pursuit of a solo career, Mason moved to the US, an environment particularly conducive for his creative talents, but when Traffic arrived there for their first tour in March, he rejoined the band for a handful of songs.
"Feelin' Alright" was released as the first single off the group’s second album, Traffic, in October 1968. Mason's journey with Traffic was fitful, yet fruitful. Not quite a month after the release, Mason left the band again and it broke up shortly afterward. After the breakup, Steve Winwood joined the band Blind Faith while Dave Mason, Jim Capaldi and Chris Wood teamed up with Mick Weaver to form the short-lived Wooden Frog.
Traffic was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.
Traffic Discography:
Mr. Fantasy - 1967
Traffic - 1968
Best of Traffic - 1969
Last Exit - 1969
Welcome to the Canteen - 1971
Smiling Phases - 1991
nothing stops DAVE & HIS FRIENDS FROM MAKING MUSIC
feelin' alright
There are a handful of songs in the lexicon of rock and roll that can be called anthems, and Feelin' Alright has repeatedly been crowned one of them. This simple two chord song has been on the lips and in the hearts of the world since its initial release in 1968. This American classic debuted on the cutting edge English rock band, Traffic's second album. It has become of the most powerful and enduring tracks in all of rock and roll history.
Dave Mason wrote the song at the young age of 19 while on vacation on the island of Hydra, Greece. As most great songs it was intiially a love song (although Dave has never publically decried the recepient of such an honor).
It has also been a hit single for several performers, including Joe Cocker (1969, #69, recharted in 1972, US #33), Mongo Santamaria (1969 #95), Grand Funk Railroad (1971, US#54), and been recorded by industry giants like Three Dog Night (1969), The 5th Dimension (1970), Lou Rawls, Freddie King, Paul Weller, Lulu, Chairmen of the Board (1970), The Electric Concept Orchestra, Mother's Finest (1973), the Ohio Players (1971), Diana Ross with the Jackson 5 (1971), Maceo Parker, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Widespread Panic, The Black Crowes, Coldplay and My Morning Jacket (2023).
Over 40 cover versions have been recorded, it's been featured in several dozen films and TV commercials. Feelin' Alright is among the most well-known and beloved rock n' roll songs of all time.
Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame Performance
The Original
Superbowl Ad Feature
Joe Cocker Recording
The Fifth Dimension Recording
The Black Crowes Live Performance
Diana Ross & The Jackson Five Live Performance
Widespread Panic Live Cover
Badfinger Cover
Lou Rawls Cover
Gladys Knight & The Pips Cover
Three Dog Night Cover
Grand Funk Railroad Cover
Huey Lewis Cover
Isaac Hayes Live Performance