Dave Mason’s Feelin’ Alright? – Episode 03
In the latest installment of Dave Mason’s Feelin’ Alright on NEWHD Radio, rock legend Dave Mason takes listeners on a nostalgic journey through his storied career, blending personal anecdotes with timeless tracks that capture the essence of 1970s rock. Episode 3, aired from Westwood, New Jersey, isn’t just a playlist—it’s a portal to an era defined by raw energy, groundbreaking collaborations, and cultural shifts that reshaped music and society. As a founding member of Traffic and a collaborator with icons like Jimi Hendrix and George Harrison, Mason’s show spotlights his own milestones while weaving in the broader tapestry of the time, reminding us why the ’70s remain a golden age for rock authenticity.
Highlights of Dave Mason Feelin Alright Episode 3
Episode 3 revolves around Mason’s 1975 live album Certified Live, recorded at the iconic Universal Amphitheater in Los Angeles—a venue that hosted legendary acts like Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan before its closure in 2013. This was no ordinary year in pop culture; 1975 marked the end of the Vietnam War, bringing a sense of uneasy relief to a divided America. Blockbuster films like Jaws terrified beachgoers and revolutionized summer cinema, while Saturday Night Live debuted on NBC, injecting irreverent humor into late-night TV. Sports fans witnessed Muhammad Ali’s “Thrilla in Manila” against Joe Frazier, a brutal boxing spectacle that symbolized resilience amid global tensions. Musically, the charts buzzed with funk, rock, and soul—Bruce Springsteen’s Born to Run captured working-class dreams, Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody pushed boundaries, and disco hints emerged with dances like the Hustle. It was also a time of innovation: the first home video game consoles like Pong gained traction, mood rings became a fad, and Wheel of Fortune spun into households. Against this backdrop, Mason’s stories evoke the freewheeling spirit of California rock, where British expats like him mingled with American soul influencers.
Certified Live: A Raw Snapshot of Rock History
At the heart of the episode is Certified Live, Mason’s double-LP captured “absolutely live” without studio overdubs—a bold rejection of the 1970s industry norm of polishing performances. Recorded on a 24-track machine during shows at the Universal Amphitheater, it preserves the exact sound of the night, complete with crowd energy and unfiltered guitar prowess on tracks like “Every Woman,” “Goin’ Down Slow,” and “Bring It on Home to Me.” This authenticity has cemented it as one of the greatest live recordings in rock history, showcasing Mason’s bluesy roots from his Traffic days. Mason, who left Traffic in 1969 after hits like “Hole in My Shoe,” had relocated to the U.S. in 1971, immersing himself in the West Coast scene influenced by acts like Delaney & Bonnie. The album’s release in 1976 earned solid reviews, highlighting his guitar work on covers like “All Along the Watchtower,” and stands as a testament to the era’s live-music renaissance amid post-Woodstock festival culture.
Collaborations in Dave Mason Feelin' Alright!
Mason delves into his 1971 self-titled album with Mama Cass Elliot, a serendipitous partnership born from an introduction by mutual friend Gram Parsons. Elliot, the powerhouse voice behind The Mamas & the Papas’ harmonies on classics like “California Dreamin’,” had gone solo after the group’s 1968 breakup, scoring hits with her warm, soulful style. Their joint effort, released on Blue Thumb Records, featured tracks like “Walk to the Point” and “On and On,” blending Mason’s melodic songwriting with Elliot’s rich vocals—her first songwriting credits since her early folk days with The Mugwumps. They performed together on The Tonight Show and at the Fillmore East, but tragically, this remained their only album; Elliot passed away in 1974 at age 32. The collaboration reflected the ’70s’ communal vibe, where folk-rock met pop, echoing the era’s counterculture hangover from the late ’60s.
New Orleans Magic: Jamming with Wings
A highlight is Mason’s tale of contributing to Paul McCartney’s Wings album Venus and Mars in 1975. Invited by Wings members Denny Laine (ex-Moody Blues) and Jimmy McCulloch after a New Orleans show, Mason joined sessions at Allen Toussaint’s Sea-Saint Studios. He added guitar to “Listen to What the Man Said,” a No. 1 Billboard hit that summer, improvising a harmony lick McCartney loved on the spot. Venus and Mars, recorded amid Mardi Gras energy, topped charts amid fierce competition, blending pop-rock with New Orleans funk influences. McCartney, post-Beatles, was reinventing himself with Wings, achieving platinum success while navigating personal tensions during the sessions. Mason’s story underscores the interconnected rock world of the ’70s, where British invaders like him crossed paths with Beatles alumni
1975 Chart Hits Featured
Mason spotlights competing 1975 hits, painting a vivid picture of the era’s diverse soundscape. Aerosmith’s “Sweet Emotion” from Toys in the Attic channeled band frustrations—drugs, relationships, and internal rifts—into a funky riff by bassist Tom Hamilton, hitting No. 36 and kickstarting their arena-rock dominance. The Average White Band’s “Pick Up the Pieces,” a horn-driven instrumental by Scottish soul enthusiasts, topped charts despite saxophonist Malcolm Duncan’s doubts about its viability as a single—its shout of resilience became a funk staple amid the band’s tragedy (drummer Robbie McIntosh’s death). ZZ Top’s “Tush” from Fandango!, penned in minutes by Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill during a soundcheck, drew from Texas slang for “the best,” blending blues boogie with Southern swagger to reach No. 20. These tracks embodied ’75’s grit: Aerosmith’s Boston edge, AWB’s transatlantic funk, and ZZ Top’s bearded blues revival.
Closing Track: Black Crowes Cover
The episode wraps with The Black Crowes’ electrifying cover of Traffic’s “Feelin’ Alright,” performed live at the Gathering of the Vibes Music Festival on July 28, 2013, at Seaside Park in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Fronted by Chris Robinson’s soulful howl and Rich Robinson’s gritty guitar, this rendition infuses Southern rock flair into Mason’s original, a staple since Traffic’s 1968 debut. The Black Crowes, formed in 1989 and known for albums like Shake Your Money Maker, have long paid tribute to ’70s influences, making this festival cut a fitting nod to Mason’s legacy.
Dave Mason’s Feelin’ Alright on NEWHD Radio isn’t just radio—it’s a celebration of rock’s enduring spirit. For more, visit DaveMasonMusic.com, grab his autobiography Only You Know and I Know, or email questions to contact@newhdradio.com for on-air shoutouts. Tune in for the next episode and keep the vibes alive.
