Dave Mason, fresh off the publication of his memoir in September -- Only You Know and I Know -- and heart valve replacement surgery in November, has a new album on the way.
A Shade of Blues, a collection of some blues standards as well as reworkings of Traffic's "The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys" and "Dear Mr. Fantasy," has been in the works for over a decade. It features contributions from Joe Bonamassa, Michael McDonald, and the late keyboardist Mike Finnigan.
“My guitar playing has always drawn from the blues,” says Mason. “This album leans a little more heavily into that style, but not entirely—that’s why I call it A Shade of Blues...
“I wanted to find new ways to approach these songs. I’ve always enjoyed reinterpreting the music that’s shaped my career...
“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, "Dear Mr. Fantasy," featuring Joe Bonamassa, is out now. The next single, "Use It, Or Lose It," will be out on February 21st followed by the album on March 21st.
Mason will be back on the road starting March 20th in Augusta, Georgia.
A Shade of Blues track list:
- Use It, Or Lose It
- Come Home in My Kitchen
- It's Just You and Me w/Michael McDonald
- Cocaine Blues
- The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys
- Born Under a Bad Sign
- Dust My Blues
- Dear Mr. Fantasy w/Joe Bonamassa
- Just Another Fool in Love
- El Toro
- Good To You