Fort Lauderdale Magazine: You wrote and sang the rock anthem “Feeling Alright,” which is the most popular covered band song in history today. That was your writing for Traffic’s eponymous 1968 album and later recorded by Joe Cocker.
Dave Mason: Yes, it has been recorded by over 15 major artists. Every bar band has played it and still plays it.
FLMag: Why did you leave Traffic shortly after that great hit?
DM: Well, all those stories are in the book that’s coming out in May. So I’m going to be giving away too much about what’s in the book, but finally I was badgered into writing my own story. So that should be coming out in May. The title is “Only You Know and I Know” and you can pre-order actually on my website, davemasonmusic.com. All those stories regarding Traffic, my work with [Jimi] Hendrix, Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, Rolling Stones, etc., etc. — they’re all in that book.
FLMag: You’ve had the privilege of collaborating with many artists … but the most amazing was Jimi Hendrix. What song did you play with him?
DM: “All Along the Watchtower.” When you hear that, that’s me in the opening of the song playing the acoustic guitar. I also did some singing on “Crosstown Traffic.”
FLMag: Two great songs. Were you friends with him as well?
DM: Yes. We hung out a few times.
FLMag: Those moments I’m sure were unforgettable.
DM: Absolutely. There are a lot of exceptionally good guitar players out there but there aren’t any more Jimi Hendrixes.
FLMag: Well, I don’t think you get the credit you deserve because I still believe to this day that you are one of the best guitar players and songwriters in the world. Also with a very successful solo career on top of that.
DM: Well, thank you.
FLMag: Now, 50 years later as a legend, you are recording “World of Changes” once again. Is the tune different or is it the same?
DM: Well, I re-recorded all of the “Alone Together” album since the original master takes were lost in a fire in Universal along with [those of] a lot of other artists. So, I re-recorded the whole album; the only one re-recorded differently was “World of Changes,” which is called “Alone Together Again.” “World of Changes” is more of a sort of reggae beat than the way I originally did it — just changed it up a little bit.
FLMag: So you will be attracting new fans — that’s exciting.
DM: Well, hopefully.
FLMag: I’m sure you will with the different tunes and classic songs. So do you think the reason you are still performing over 100 shows a year to sold-out crowds is because of your continued success and talent?
DM: Well, it’s a lot of things. I’ve always focused on live performances from the very beginning. At this point, it’s a little harder to reach the younger crowds. I would say a lot of my audience is in the US. I played at every college and university there was to play at in America several times over back in the ’70s. So they’ve all just pretty much grown up with me I suppose. And the songs are still good. So I think a lot of the reasons for that is because of memories basically. They hear our stuff and they remember where they first heard them and when they first fell in love or whatever was happening in their [lives] at the time.
FLMag: It brings back many, many memories. I look at that album and I can still see the front cover of it with you with the mountains/rocks in the background. I can still see it and I still have it. In 2004, you were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the members of Traffic. Why did they wait so long to induct you?
DM: I don’t know. You may want to ask why they waited so long to induct a lot of people [laughs]. It’s the same story.
FLMag: You are also a proponent of music education. Kudos for that, by the way. Do you provide lessons and instruments?
DM: I’m English, so music and art were always part of the school curriculum when I went to school. Unfortunately, they’ve dropped it from American education, which is ridiculous and a shame. That goes back to a long time ago. The team asked me to be part of the board at Little Kids Rock. I certainly support education. I think it’s important. Whether people take it up as a career or if it’s just for life, it’s part of development and appreciation when you’re young.
FLMag: What can we expect from this upcoming Traffic Jam tour? I can’t wait to see it.
DM: Of course I’m going to do tunes from Traffic. Some of them are the same with slightly different arrangements. I have exceptionally talented people in my band. Ray Hardwell, my bass player, sings a couple of Traffic songs. Mark Stein, who just joined the band at the end of last year [and] is originally from Vanilla Fudge the band. We are doing a broad spectrum of stuff, maybe into the Spencer Davis group. And, obviously, Dave Mason songs. All the ones that work and people still want to hear.
WHAT: Dave Mason Traffic Jam Tour
WHERE: Parker Playhouse
WHEN: March 11, 8pm
TICKETS: davemasonmusic.com
