Dave Mason Gives Back to his Favorite Genre with ‘A Shade of Blues’

Dave Mason to release 'A Shade of Blues' March 21 - Courtesy image

Rock Veteran Takes to the Road to Promote New Album

Dave Mason has put his mark on the modern evolution of the blues over the course of his breathtaking career. The genre has given back to Mason also, nurturing his musical and personal growth, from the time he was an 18-year-old founding member of Traffic (with Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi and Chris Wood) to today.

More than 60 years of passionate time and work on guitar is evident on his new album, “A Shade of Blues.” It’s a gem of a record for the collection of any Dave Mason fan and for those who love the blues and the classic band, Traffic.

The 11 songs range from the primal Robert Johnson 12-string acoustic blues of “Come Home in My Kitchen” to the JJ Cale-style folk blues of the Mason-arranged “Cocaine Blues,” the reggae feel of Mason’s “Just Another Fool in Love,” and the Spanish flamenco/Gipsy Kings guitars of his “El Toro,” adding saxophone player Warren Hill to the final mix.

There are also bluesy re-imaginings of Traffic standards “The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys” and “Dear Mr. Fantasy,” with world-class guitarist Joe Bonamassa adding his distinctive riffs to both tracks. Michael McDonald adds vocal harmony, piano and organ to Mason’s self-penned “It’s Just You and Me,” recorded several years ago in Mason’s current Hawaii home studio.

Mason will be hitting the road on the “Let It Flow 2025” tour to promote the record with stops including Georgia, South Carolina and Florida.

“A Shade of Blues” is living proof of the longevity of the blues as well as the artist, with Dave Mason burnishing his Hall of Fame legacy, proving that by continuing to use it, you won’t lose it. Pre-order here.

He continues to tour as Dave Mason’s Traffic Jam, playing many of the hits he helped create. In 2024 Mason released his memoir, “Only You Know & I Know.”

– Edited by Donna Balancia