These stirring lines from "Use It, Or Lose It" kick off A Shade of Blues, the latest studio album from iconic guitarist and songwriter Dave Mason. The album, his 21st, will be available on March 21st. With a career spanning over six decades, Mason, a founding member of Traffic and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, delves deep into his blues roots on this electrifying collection. Over a decade in the making, this blues-infused masterpiece showcases Mason's legendary artistry and collaborative spirit. The album features an impressive lineup of guest artists, including Joe Bonamassa, Michael McDonald, Mike Finnigan, Warren Hill, and more. A Shade of Blues also sets the stage for Mason's highly anticipated 2025 tour, celebrating over five decades of electrifying performances and sold-out shows worldwide.
Pre-Save A Shade of Blues here.
Blues has been a cornerstone of Mason’s music since his earliest days with Traffic, where he performed alongside Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, and Chris Wood. From penning timeless classics like "Feelin’ Alright" and "Only You Know and I Know" to collaborating with legends such as Jimi Hendrix ("All Along the Watchtower," "Crosstown Traffic") and The Rolling Stones ("Street Fighting Man"), Mason’s contributions to music are unparalleled.
Now, with A Shade of Blues, Mason leans further into the genre that influenced him from the start, offering 11 tracks that showcase a wide range of blues and R&B styles. The album will be released on his own Barham Productions label.
“My guitar playing has always drawn from the blues,” Mason explains. “This album leans a little more heavily into that style, but not entirely—that’s why I call it A Shade of Blues.”
Recorded with a mix of old friends and new collaborators, the album features standout moments like the traditional eight-bar blues of "Use It, Or Lose It" (set for single release on February 21st)—featuring guitar virtuoso Joe Bonamassa—and a raw, impromptu jam on Elmore James and Robert Johnson’s "Dust My Blues."
“I wanted to find new ways to approach these songs,” Mason says, pointing to his fresh, minor-key take on “Dear Mr. Fantasy.” “I’ve always enjoyed reinterpreting the music that’s shaped my career.”
Listen to “Dear Mr. Fantasy” with Joe Bonamassa.
The album also includes "It’s Just You And Me," with Michael McDonald on harmony vocals, piano, and organ, and a fiery rendition of "Born Under A Bad Sign," a tribute to Albert King, one of Jimi Hendrix’s favorite guitarists.
Mason reflects on the influence of American blues on his music: “In England, we didn’t have segregated radio. We grew up listening to everything—jazz, soul, R&B, country. The blues is simple music, but it’s the feel that’s kept it alive for so long.”
A Shade of Blues stands as a testament to both the enduring power of the blues and Mason’s unwavering artistry. At 78, he continues to perform with his band, Dave Mason’s Traffic Jam, sharing his music with the next generation.
“I can’t just sit around doing nothing,” the 78-year-old laughed. “I still love playing guitar, I love being out on tour. I just want to keep this music alive for new generations.”
With A Shade of Blues, Dave Mason once again proves that by continuing to use it, you’ll never lose it. A Shade of Blues will be available on March 21st, 2025, on all streaming platforms, CD and vinyl.
After taking some time off in late 2024 to address some serious health issues, Mason is rested and recuperated and is now ready to resume his touring duties! Current itinerary is below with more dates to be announced.
“Let It Flow” Tour Dates:
March 20 Augusta, GA Miller Theater
March 22 Huntsville, AL Mars Music Hall
March 23 Atlanta, GA Center Stage
March 25 Charleston, SC Charleston Music Hall
March 27 Sumterville, FL The Tracy Performing Arts Center
March 28 The Villages, FL Savannah Center
March 29 Melbourne, FL Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts
March 31 Jacksonville, FL Florida Theatre
April 2 Ormond Beach, FL Ormond Beach Performing Arts
April 4 New Port Richey, FL Chasco Fiesta - Sims Park
April 5 Fort Lauderdale, FL Parker Playhouse
Tracklisting for - “A Shade of Blues”
Use It, Or Lose It
Come Home In My Kitchen
It's Just You And Me
Cocaine Blues
The Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys
Born Under A Bad Sign
Dust My Blues
Dear Mr. Fantasy
Just Another Fool In Love
El Toro
Good To You
MORE ABOUT DAVE MASON
Fans and critics alike hail Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Dave Mason as one of the most talented songwriters and guitarists in the world - which is why he is still performing over 100 shows a year to sold-out crowds. Best known for his soulful voice and unsurpassed guitar playing, Dave founded two bands by the age of 15: The Deep Feeling, and The Hellions. At 18, the Worcester, England native teamed up with Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, and Chris Wood to form the legendary band Traffic. At 19, Mason penned the song “Feelin’ Alright.” The rock anthem, first recorded by Traffic and then covered by dozens of other artists (including Joe Cocker), cemented both Dave’s and Traffic’s legacy, and had a profound influence over rock music that continues today. In 2024, Mason released his memoir, ‘Only You Know & I Know’.
