The Alternative Press

NEWTON, NJ - "It seemed like a good idea," said Dave Mason about picking up a guitar for the first time to play at age 15.

 

The Worcestor England native became a part of the bands, The Jaguars, The Hellions, and The Deep Feeling before meeting fellow musicians Steve Winwood, and Chris Wood through his friend Jim Capaldi.  The four of them formed the legendary band Traffic together.

 

At 23, Mason arrived in Los Angeles.

 

"I had a guitar and a bag," Mason told The Alternative Press. "Traffic wasn't big here [in the U.S.], but they were known."

 

"Alone Together" was Mason's solo debut in 1970 after departing from Traffic.

 

"It [Alone Together] became a classic," Mason said.

 

As a solo songwriter, vocalist and guitarist, Mason had the opportunity to share the stage with other greats including Paul McCartney, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Michael Jackson, The Rolling Stones, Delaney Bramlett, George Harrison, Cass Elliot, and Fleetwood Mac. 

 

"That was a great experience," replied Mason, when asked about working with Hendrix. "He was an amazing guitar player. He was a great talent. It's always a shame to lose such talent."

 

"They were all great experiences," Mason clarified. "It was great to be able to play with all these people. Though I recognized who the people were, when you're living it you don't really reflect on it. I was at the right place at the right time."

 

In 2004, Mason and the other members of Traffic were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, at the same time as ZZ Top, Prince, Bob Segar, and Jackson Browne.

 

"It was nice they recognized our contribution," said Mason. "It was a great evening."

 

Currently, Mason tours 60 to 100 shows a year throughout the United States and Japan.

 

"I'm always out there playing," Mason said. 

 

He is also one of the founders of the charity, "Work Vessels For Veterans", assisting people transitioning out of the military service to start their own businesses. Mason's father, born in 1898, served in World War I, and his brother operated tanks in North Africa during World War II. 

 

"I know what the price of freedom is," Mason said.

 

Dave Mason and his band will be playing one of their unplugged shows at the Newton Theatre with Jeffrey Gaines on Sunday, July 8 at 7pm. Click www.thenewtontheatre.com for more information.