Dave Mason - Alone Together

West Coast Traffic

For those of us who haven’t spent too long studying Traffic’s internal dynamics, it’s a surprise to learn just how much of their sound and appeal was down to singer/songwriter/guitarist/ bassist Dave Mason, as much as singer/songwriter/guitarist/ keyboard genius Steve Winwood. Early on, Mason vitally balanced Winwood’s tendencies towards jazz and jam with a more grounded folk-rock vibe, much to the fore on this 1970 solo debut.

Despite Winwood’s popularity in the 80s, Alone Together is surely the post-Traffic LP most likely to win friends today, putting into stark perspective the efforts of fan Paul Weller. It’s sprawling and easy, warm and groovy, with a timeless Californian vibe recalling Steve Stills. Mason’s battery of acoustic guitars is augmented by Leon Russell’s piano, Jim Capaldi, Delaney & Bonnie, Rita Coolidge and several of Derek’s Dominoes – including one jaw-dropping solo from Clapton himself. Eight superb cuts are topped out by the hit opener Only You Know & I Know and the driving, topdown boogie of Waitin’ On You, starring Billy Preston on organ.

An overlooked classic that makes us look forward to Rev-Ola’s forthcoming Dave Mason/Cass Elliot reissue.

4 stars 4 stars 4 stars 4 stars

Rev-Ola | CD REV 251

Reviewed by Derek Hammond
<< Back to Issue 353

Login Here

Free Newsletter


Subscribe to
our email newsletter by emailing:

anna.bowen@
metropolis.co.uk