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/ News

Something To Make You Happy: Cherry Red Reissues "Dave Mason and Cass Elliot"

February 5, 2019 By Sam Stone 4 Comments

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Cherry Red has recently re-pressed a gem from two shining talents of the early '70s Laurel Canyon scene: Dave Mason & Cass Elliot, a title that was previously released on their now-dormant Rev-Ola imprint in 2008. Both performers had made names for themselves previously, but when they met up for their one and only collaboration the results were a testament to their considerable musical skills.

Dave Mason was no stranger to the music industry when he and Cass Elliot, of The Mamas and The Papas, released their 1971 self-titled album on Blue Thumb. Mason had cut his teeth in a number of local Birmingham, England "Brumbeat" bands like The Jaguars, The Hellions and Deep Feeling. He eventually landed a gig as a roadie for The Spencer Davis Group, sang on "Gimme Some Lovin'," and soon became a founding member of Traffic, along with Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, and Chris Wood. Early in their career, the band sequestered themselves into a Berkshire cottage to write and record. The result was the 1967 classic, Mr. Fantasy. But Mason's relationship with Traffic was on-again, off-again, and by the time Mr. Fantasy was released worldwide, many territories amended the album's artwork to reflect the newly Mason-less lineup. In the interim, Mason produced Family and cut a few solo sides. Eventually, he returned to Traffic for their 1968 self-titled album which featured the original version of the Mason-penned rock standard, "Feelin' Alright."

But soon, he found himself wanting to leave the group again and he settled into California. As a member of the Laurel Canyon scene, he was surrounded by talent. There was Delaney and Bonnie, with whom Mason would later tour alongside George Harrison and Eric Clapton; Stephen Stills, who taught Mason the guitar tuning that he eventually used on the hit song "Only You Know and I Know;" and Graham Nash, with whom Mason would record many times over the years. But it was the matriarch of Laurel Canyon, Cass Elliot, who would go on to collaborate with Dave Mason on one beautiful album. Elliot had a knack for bringing people together. It's said that Crosby, Stills, and Nash sang for the first time ever at one of her parties (although others say the meeting was at Joni Mitchell's place).  No matter the location, Cass had a reputation for nurturing new talent.

So when the time came for Mason to deliver another LP for Blue Thumb - one to follow his successful Alone Together - Elliot was eager to assist. At first she was slated to be the producer for the project, eventually she added backing vocals to some tracks (along with her sister Leah Kunkel), and in the end, the album became a fully fledged collaboration.

From "Sit and Wonder" and "Walk To the Point," to the epic "Glittering Facade," Mason's talents for songwriting are evident throughout. Meanwhile, Elliot's lead vocals on "Here We Go Again" showcase her inimitable style and power. The backup band of Paul Harris (later of Manassas) providing keyboard and string arrangements, Bryan Garo on bass, and "The Section" sideman Russ Kunkel, also feature.

Cherry Red's re-pressing of the old Rev-Ola title features remastered audio by Norman Blake, in-depth liner notes, and design by Pepperbox. Check out the track listing and pre-order links below.

Dave Mason & Cass Elliot, Dave Mason & Cass Elliot (Blue Thumb BTS-8825, 1971 -- reissued Rev-Ola/Cherry Red CRREV 255, 2008 and Cherry Red CDMRED 737, 2019) (Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K. / Amazon Canada)

  1. Walk to the Point
  2. On and On
  3. To Be Free
  4. Here We Go Again
  5. Pleasing You
  6. Sit and Wonder
  7. Something To Make You Happy
  8. Too Much Truth,Too Much Love
  9. Next To You
  10. Glittering Façade

Categories: News Formats: CD Genre: Classic Rock Tags: Cass Elliot, Dave Mason

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Sam Stone

Sam Stone has been obsessed with catalog music ever since his folks gave him a Contours best-of collection for his fourth birthday. He quickly began to learn all he could about rock and roll history and beyond, a passion that continues to this day. Sam followed his love for music to the classroom, earning a B.A. from Towson University in Electronic Media and Film, concentrating on radio and audio production, as well as an M.A. in Audio Arts from Syracuse University. He has put his knowledge and skills to work at prominent reissue labels and is excited to bring his perspectives on catalog music to a broader audience. When he’s not writing for The Second Disc, Sam can be found researching about music, talking about Joni Mitchell’s career, and adding another box set to his Amazon wish list.

Connect With Sam: Twitter

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Comments

  1. uzine says

    February 5, 2019 at 1:47 pm

    Splendid news they're rereleasing Rev-Ola titles, whatever the imprint. Can't wait for a reprint of "The sky is falling" by Fred Neil (Discogs #6724625).

    Reply
  2. Zubb says

    February 5, 2019 at 8:12 pm

    I will get it this time. Waited too long before and it went out of print. Hope they bring back more Rev-Ola titles.

    Reply
  3. Art Carey says

    June 21, 2020 at 10:51 am

    Sam --

    Is the remastering on this release different from what Norman Blake and Joe Foster did for the 2008 Rev-Ola version?

    Reply
    • Avatar photoSam Stone says

      June 21, 2020 at 12:47 pm

      Hi Art, this is a re-press of the 2008 CD so it will have the same mastering.

      Reply

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