Dave Mason – a unique portrait of classic rock

Mason's guitar work, characterized by delicate technique, fiery interpretations and soulful phrasing, was a constant element of his solo career. "I approach the instrument as if it were a voice," he told Guitar Player magazine in 1975. "That's why I started playing guitar — to have a way to express myself." "Feelin' Alright?" was also covered by notable names such as Joe Cocker, and throughout his career he collaborated with icons such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones and others.

Dave Mason, the English singer, songwriter and guitarist who wrote such classic rock hits as “Feelin’ Alright?” and “Only You Know and I Know” and was a founding member of the band Traffic before embarking on a successful solo career, died Sunday at his home in Gardnerville, Nevada. He was 79. Mason’s version of “Feelin’ Alright?”, originally recorded with Traffic in 1968, was not an immediate hit. But the song became a classic rock radio staple and was covered by more than 20 artists, including Joe Cocker, the Jackson 5, Gladys Knight & the Pips and Grand Funk Railroad.

In 2004, Mason was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for his work with the band Traffic.

As a solo artist, he released three gold albums, including his 1970 debut, Alone Together, which contained some of his most acclaimed songs. He also achieved great success with the album Let It Flow, which was supported by his biggest hit, We Just Disagree, which peaked at number 12 on the Billboard charts in 1977.

His song "Only You Know and I Know" became a hit when it was performed by the rock and soul group Delaney and Bonnie in 1971.

Mason's guitar work, characterized by delicate technique, fiery interpretations, and soulful phrasing, was a constant element of his solo career. 

"I approach the instrument as if it were a voice," he told Guitar Player magazine in 1975. "That's why I started playing guitar — to have a way to express myself."

Dave Mason also worked as a session musician with famous stars. On the song "Street Fighting Man" by the legendary band "Rolling Stones", he added the sounds of the 'shehnai', an Indian instrument. On Jimi Hendrix's version of the singer-songwriter Bob Dylan's song, "All Along the Watchtower", he played on the 12-string acoustic guitar.

He also joined an early version of the band Derek and the Dominos, founded by Eric Clapton and pianist Bobby Whitlock. He played guitar on George Harrison's 1970 album All Things Must Pass, and on Paul McCartney's 1975 song "Listen to What the Man Said" by Wings.

His career was also marked by major difficulties, including unfavorable contracts, two bankruptcies, and numerous lawsuits. In the 70s, he went to court with his record label, Blue Thumb, over ownership of his recordings. In 2011, he joined other artists in suing Universal Music Group over digital music rights.

His time with Traffic was equally turbulent. Although Mason wrote and sang "Hole in My Shoe," the biggest hit from their 1967 debut album, Mr. Fantasy, he felt overwhelmed by the fame and decided to leave the band after its release. The record company later removed his face from the cover of the American version of the album. He rejoined the band for their second album, writing or co-writing several songs. But although the album was a success in the UK and the US, Mason left the band again shortly after its release.

In his 2024 memoir, "Only You Know & I Know," Mason recalls that co-founder Steve Winwood told him directly: "I don't like the way you write, I don't like the way you sing. I don't like the way you play, and... we don't want you in the band anymore."

"I was shocked by that statement. For me, they were the ideal band," Mason said in an interview with The Guardian magazine in 2024. Over the years, Mason had other collaborations with Traffic, including a tour of the UK in 1971, which also resulted in the live album "Welcome to the Canteen." But he was not invited to stay with the band and attempts at a possible reunion were unsuccessful.

Although he continued to work as a solo artist, in 1996 he said that this was not his initial choice. 

"I had to continue my career somehow," he said. "I made an album, but I wasn't looking to be a solo artist."

David Thomas Mason was born on May 10, 1946, in Worcester. His parents owned a candy store. He described his childhood as free and simple, playing in the great outdoors and building huts and boats. Although his parents were not musicians, he became interested in the guitar at an early age, listening to artists on the radio. He taught himself to play the instrument and later formed his first band.

After leaving Traffic, he continued with various musical projects and collaborations with major artists. His last solo album, A Shade of Blues, was released in 2023. He later stopped touring due to health problems. Mason is survived by his wife, Winifred Wilson, and their daughter Danielle Mason. His son, True, died in 2006.

In an interview, he had said that he was proud of having faced the challenges of his life and career.
"I've been through four earthquakes, three marriages, two bankruptcies, a major hurricane, and I've survived the music industry. That's a good balance sheet."