Search - Dave Mason :: Live at Sunrise

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09/17/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Dave Mason's new live release is a welcome-yet-mixed bag for longtime fans who may have wondered what he's been up to during the past decade, beyond filling in as a guitarist with Fleetwood Mac. "Live at Sunrise" is a fine concert workout with a tough, hard-rocking band, featuring journeyman guitar ace John Sambataro. The dual-guitar attack highlights Mason's early rock influence (and lead-guitar muscle) as opposed to his more pop-oriented leanings in the late seventies and beyond. In fact, the solo-trading during the 15-minute "Look at You Look at Me" will please both hardcore fans of early-seventies-extended-solo music and discerning fans of Mason's seminal 1970 album "Alone Together." However, the set list on "Live at Sunrise" varies only slightly from another recent Mason release -- also a live album -- "The 40,000 Headmen Tour" (essentially a duo album with former Traffic partner Jim Capaldi). That disc revealed an artist's career in a contemporary perspective, with insights and surprises coming through varied arrangements of concert staples and old chestnuts (such as a moody, acoustic version of "The Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys"). "Live at Sunrise," on the other hand, doesn't reveal much more than a spirited electric outing...and one not much different from 1976's "Certified Live," in terms of material, arrangements, or performance. Thus, a question arises: has Dave Mason matured as an artist at all over the past quarter century? It's an unnecessary question, and the blame for its being raised lies squarely at the feet of Mason's label, marketers, and packagers. With no production info in the liner notes of "Live at Sunrise" (including the date of the concert), it's hard to gain much insight into Mason's continuing career: whether he's satisfied to tour with his hits from over two decades ago (indicating stagnation, complacency, or resignation), or whether his art may be ever-unfolding and developing, regardless of whether he's still writing songs. (Mason's most recent release, yet another live album, "Live at Perkins Palace," is also missing vital info from the jacket, including the wonderful fact that it's all-acoustic and was recorded during the eighties. The album includes interesting material and delightful performances, but it's another case-study in boneheaded marketing and presentation, regardless of whether the record was aimed at longtime fans, casual listeners or both.) All this to say, Mason would benefit from decent career-management regarding these releases, each of which has been put out by a different homegrown label. Sadly, such problems have dogged Mason since his very first outings in the seventies -- an unfortunate problem for so talented a musician with a long career ahead of him. Sadder still, his past work has been haphazardly packaged and re-packaged so many times that even casual fans have come to expect a new Dave Mason anthology annually (and have very nearly gotten it). The problem isn't helped when the artist's three most recent albums all are live releases, with very little variation in song selection. Still, the music on "Live at Sunrise" is lively, Mason's guitar skills and vocals are in fine form, and that's what counts most on turntable rotation. Yet even this statement must be accompanied by a caveat: listening to these three CDs back-to-back may put your sanity at risk, as you hear virtually the same batch of songs duplicated (and triplicated) within an all-too-brief listening period. All a fan can do is wait for the next release -- even if it's live -- and hope Mason pulls some great, old, enduring album tracks out of his hat, to properly broaden the scope of his legacy."

Another Great Concert CD

Archie Mercer | Yorba Linda, CA | 07/15/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Lately it seems that all Dave Mason can release are Live concert CD's. I guess that makes sense since he has more greatest hit CD's out than any group for artist I know. Although I would rate this release a little lower than the 40,000 Headman Tour CD of a couple of years ago I still enjoy listening to it.When comparing Live at Sunrise to 40,000 Headman there are some good points & bad points. The bad points are: 1) No Jim Capaldi. He brought something to the previous release that isn't usually seen in a Dave Mason concert, a contrast. 2) For some reason Mason has gotten more & more into growling during his singing. Occasionaly it's OK but here he does it 3 or 4 times each song. In my opinion, Masom voice has not suffered with age when he just sings, but when he does this growlin thing it makes him sound raspy. The good points:1) The music mix. Yes I know 7 of the 9 songs are the same titles as 40,000 Headman but Mason has the talent and energy to make them sound unique. When you add "Let it go, Let it flow" & "Look at you, Look at me" you get two songs not heard for a while. "Look at you, Look at me" has always been MY favorite Mason piece and this 14 minute version does not disappoint. As far as I'm concerned it's his best rendition.2) The inclusion of a second guitar. Mason's music almost requires two guitars. Otherwise, he has to do double duty which detracts from his solos. All you have to do is compare "All Along the Watchtower" from the two CD's and you will understand. 3) The sound quality is a little better here. I'm not sure why but it may have something to do with the size of the concert halls.There you have it. I would recommend this to any Mason fan, and any live rock from the past fan."

He's Feelin Alright!

Anthony Accordino | Massapequa Park, New York United States | 09/03/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Dave Mason is one of several classic rockers who's career has spanned over thirty years. This live collection captures a master guitarist and singer sounding better than ever. Mason was one of the founding members of Traffic before embarking on a thirty year solo career that included one of the great rock albums of alltime "Alone Together". This cd is living proof that oldtimers from the classic rock era can still play well and belt out a tune without the help of studio computerized voice-overs and fake mucisians that is so prevalent in the modern pop market. Many of the Dave Mason classics are here like "We Just Disagree", "Only You Know And I Know", "All Along The Watchtower", "Look At You Look At Me", And the Traffic classics "Dear MR. Fantasy" and of course "Feelin Alright". My only complaint is it seems to be a tad too short with only nine songs, but what you get from this collection is all quality from beginning to end. His band sounds great and features Richard campbell[bass], John Sambataro[guitar], Bobby Scumaci[keyboards] and Greg Babcock[drums]. Checkout the DVD as well, which features some very interesting behind the scenes footage and outstanding picture quality and sound."