We continue our look at the music of 50 years ago…
It started out as Dave Mason’s second solo record since leaving Traffic. But after meeting and becoming friends with Cass Elliot, they decided to work together on a record that came out in March of 1971. It’s not a true duets LP as Elliot only sings lead on a couple of songs and spends much of the record singing harmony with her sister Leah. It’s Mason’s record and he delivers his usual package of glistening guitars layered around tight harmonies. I didn’t catch this on first release but found it in a cut-out bin years later and added it to my collection. I’ve always liked Mason’s solo work and Elliot’s voice is a pleasing instrument. Nothing really stands out here for me although some critics lavished praise on this at the time. The supporting players, Paul Harris, Bryan Garo and Russ Kunkel (married to Leah) deliver and the two stars give us a set of pop songs a cut above some of the dreck that was coming out at the time. Check it out…and then delve into Mason’s catalog of solo work and even Eliott’s post Mama & Papas solo albums for a more satisfying meal.
This group of songs from the LP including a couple of TV performances by the duo during promotion of the record
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