(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Mayo Performing Arts Center presents Rock and Dave Mason, Roll Hall of Famer and co-founder of the legendary band Traffic, for an evening of rock music history as he retraces the earliest days of his career with the music of Traffic and later, the classic recordings that launched his successful solo career. Dave Mason's Traffic Jam comes to Mayo on Friday, March 11, 2016 at 8:00pm. Tickets range from $39 to $69.
Mason founded Traffic with Steve Winwood in April of 1967 while both were still teenagers, and created music that would find its way into the hearts of generations of music lovers. He would go on to establish himself as a successful songwriter, guitarist and solo artist.
While still a teen Mason penned the Traffic hit "Feelin' Alright". The song became a global rock anthem and has been recorded by dozens of artists (including Joe Cocker who had a huge international hit with the song), "Feeling Alright" remains a highlight of Mason's live shows today.
After extensive touring with Traffic throughout the UK and Europe, Mason headed for the USA to pursue a solo career. He struck international gold with his debut album 'Alone Together', which is considered a seminal rock classic. The album was special in every manner; known for its' psychedelic marbleized vinyl, the vertical gatefold packaging, and of course the hits "Only You Know And I Know'," "World In Changes," "Shouldn't Have Took More Than you Gave" and more. The album has sold many millions of copies since its original release.
His next album Let It Flow sold millions of copies and contains another major Mason classic "We Just Disagree." In addition to performing to sold-out audiences and being a permanent staple in record collections and hearts of fans around the world, Mason's unique guitar work can be heard on many landmark albums and songs such as the Rolling Stones' Beggar's Banquet, George Harrison's All Things Must Pass, Paul McCartney's Listen To What The Man Said and Jimi Hendrix's Electric Ladyland. Hendrix's major rock standard "All Along The Watchtower" features Dave playing the acoustic guitars before Hendrix's soaring entrance onto the track.
Dave Mason's work and career remain linked with numerous other members of rock and roll elite, including Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Fleetwood Mac, Graham Nash, Stephen Stills, Rita Coolidge, Delaney & Bonnie, Leon Russell, Ron Wood, Jim Capaldi, Mama Cass Elliot, and The Spencer Davis Group.
Dave Mason's career spans several important rock eras, and encompasses his work as a producer, performer, songwriter, and consummate guitarist. In 2004, Mason was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his work with the groundbreaking group Traffic.
Mason is also involved in the program he co-founded, Work Vessels for Veterans (WVFV); an all-volunteer movement that provides veterans with the tools they need to transition to civilian work.
Mayo Performing Arts Center, located at 100 South Street in Morristown, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2015-2016 season is made possible, in part, by a grant the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, F.M. Kirby Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations and individuals. The Mayo Performing Arts Center has been designated a Major Presenting Organization by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
