Dave Mason is back.Fresh off the publication of his memoir, ‘Only You Know and I Know,’ in September and recovering from heart valve replacement surgery in November, Mason is set to release a new album. Titled ‘A Shade of Blues,’ this album has been in the works for over a decade and features a mix of blues standards and reworkings of Traffic classics like "The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys" and "Dear Mr. Fantasy." The album includes contributions from notable artists such as Joe Bonamassa, Michael McDonald, and the late keyboardist Mike Finnigan.
Mason shared his thoughts on the album, saying, “My guitar playing has always drawn from the blues. This album leans a little more heavily into that style, but not entirely—that’s why I call it A Shade of Blues.” He added, “I wanted to find new ways to approach these songs. I’ve always enjoyed reinterpreting the music that’s shaped my career.” Reflecting on his musical influences, Mason noted, “In England, we didn’t have segregated radio. We grew up listening to everything—jazz, soul, R&B, country. The blues is simple music, but it’s the feel that’s kept it alive for so long.”
The first single from the album, "Dear Mr. Fantasy," featuring Joe Bonamassa, is already out. The next single will be "Use It, Or Lose It," which will be released on February 21st, followed by the full album on March 21st. Mason will also be hitting the road again, starting with a show on March 20th in Augusta, Georgia. The track list for A Shade of Blues includes songs like "Use It, Or Lose It," "Come Home in My Kitchen," "It's Just You and Me" featuring Michael McDonald, and "Cocaine Blues," among others.
[Source: Classic Hits Today]