ENTERTAINMENT

Dave Mason looks back with Traffic tour

ED CONDRAN
CORRESPONDENT

Dave Mason’s resume is beyond impressive. An integral part of early Traffic, Mason worked with such iconic figures as Jimi Hendrix, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Cass Elliott, Joe Cocker, among many others.

“I’ve certainly had many great, memorable experiences,” Mason said.

But it all started with Traffic. Mason, 68, was part of the seminal British band, which formed in 1967 with vocalist keyboardist Steve Winwood and guitarist Jim Capaldi. Mason will render such Traffic classics as “You Can All Join In” and “Pearly Queen,” as well as solo material at upcoming shows this month at Red Bank’s Count Basie Theatre and the South Orange Performing Arts Center.

“This show is a mix of the first three Traffic albums and what I’ve done on my own,” Mason said. “I touch all of the bases.”

Mason usually includes Traffic’s “Feelin’ Alright,” one of his finest compositions, which was recorded by the late Joe Cocker. “That’s the definitive version,” Mason said. “I performed with Joe and I even performed with John Belushi, when he was doing ‘Feelin’ Alright’ as Joe Cocker.”

In this age of reunions, it’s surprising to many Traffic fans why Winwood and Mason haven’t embarked on a reformation. (Capaldi died in 2005.)

“Why we haven’t done it isn’t a question for me,” Mason said. “You’re asking the wrong guy. We should have gone out after we were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2004) but that didn’t happen. I can only control so much.”

It’s been 45 years since Mason left Traffic. “We Just Disagree,” “Let It Go, Let It Flow,” and “Something in the Heart” are some of his solo hits.

“It’s been a nice run,” Mason said. “I can’t help but look back and be pleased.”

There are the songs and there are the memories, of which are there are many for Mason.

“I remember the early days of Jimi Hendrix,” Mason said. “It was wonderful being friends with this warm, giving guy, who was simply tremendous. And then there was Gram Parsons, who never had the acclaim of Hendrix but was amazing. I met him at a Rolling Stones session (in 1968). He was a great guy. I remember coming to America and sleeping on his couch for a couple of weeks. Through Gram, I met Cass (Elliott) and so many other incredibly talented musicians. It’s great having a career like I have but the byproduct, meeting so many fascinating people, has been tremendous.”

Touring is what it’s all about for Mason these days. “It’s cool hearing people say, ‘I haven’t seen you since the 70s and it’s great to finally see you perform after all of these years,’ ” Mason said. “It takes me back to touring back in the ‘60s and ‘70s. I love that I still have an audience that wants to experience the music.”

DAVE MASON

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11

WHERE: South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange

TICKETS: $55 to $75

ALSO: 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15 at the Count Basie Theatre, 99 Monmouth St., Red Bank. Tickets $25 to $69

INFO: www.davemasonmusic.com