DAVE MASON – ELMONT 1978 (CD-R)

Description

Belmont Park, Elmont, NY, USA 8th July 1978 STEREO SBD

　Dave Mason’s 1976 year had the king of recordings, the official “CERTIFIED LIVE,” and his 1977 visit to Japan came at the perfect time, resulting in the masterpiece “TOKYO 1977 2ND NIGHT,” an audience recording obtained independently.

　So, the next thing I’d want to hear is a live recording from 1978. That was the year they performed at California Jam 2 and released the masterpiece album ‘MARIPOSA DE ORO’, yet there have been surprisingly few live recordings of them released since then.

　This week’s release of a live recording from Elmont, New York, will satisfy the thirst of such fans.

This is not just a simple radio broadcast; as the subtitle “Pre-FM” suggests, it’s a perfect stereo soundboard recording on a completely different level from typical broadcast airchecks. I can’t help but be surprised that such an amazing recording hasn’t been released until now.

Furthermore, while California Jam 2 featured a short set and was titled “MARIPOSA DE ORO,” this performance fully showcased tracks from the recently released album.

Given the extremely limited number of live recordings available after the album’s release, the discovery of such a comprehensive collection, especially a stereo soundboard recording, is truly a remarkable achievement.

Following the release of their previous album, the band’s live performances featured a unique lineup with two guitarists, partly due to the temporary departure of their longtime right-hand man, Jim Krueger. This arrangement was perfectly suited to recreating the sophisticated harmony work of “MARIPOSA DE ORO,” and these magnificent harmonies can be enjoyed in the finest stereo soundboard recording.

However, with two guitarists, Mason himself often focused on singing and rhythm guitar, a tendency that was even more pronounced than during the Krueger era.

“We Just Disagree,” a song that could be considered a remnant of the Krueger era, was a huge hit and received an incredible ovation. Moreover, the rich harmony work resulting from the addition of new members was absolutely brilliant.

Although Mason has shifted his focus more towards singing and his role as lead guitarist has diminished, he still fully showcases his signature lead guitar skills on “So Good to be Home” from the new album.

Of course, when it came to his signature song, “All Along the Watchtower,” he played the guitar with even more gusto. This clearly demonstrated that even with two guitarists in the band, his own skills hadn’t dulled.

For the encore, they performed “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,” a cover of Carole King’s song from their new album, to an incredible roar of excitement, bringing the show to a magnificent close. This stereo soundboard album captures Mason’s 1978 performance in perfect sound quality, a year when recordings were scarce compared to before 1977!

(75:57)
1. Tuning
2. Only You & I Know
3. Searchin’ for a Feelin’
4. Pearly Queen
5. Every Woman
6. So Good to be Home
7. We Just Disagree
8. So High (Rock Me Baby & Roll Me Away)
9. Let it Go, Let it Flow
10. No Doubt About It
11. Takin’ the Time to Find
12. All Along the Watchtower
13. Share Your Love
14. Warm & Tender Love
15. Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow
16. Band Introductions & Outro

Dave Mason – Guitar/Vocals
Johnne Sambataro – Guitar/Vocals
Gerald Johnson – Bass
Rick Jaeger – Drums
Carl Graves – Percussion
Tony Dean – Guitar
Mark Stein – Keyboards