The opening act was Leon Russell, who continues to be a one-trick pony; but the headliner was Dave Mason, who was outstanding. This was in a small (1,000-seat or so) local venue (the Keswick, for you Philly pholks).
Although Leon Russell maintains his long flowing locks and ZZ top beard (with the white cowboy hat and shades, he looks like an animatronic Cousin Itt), Dave Mason is now totally bald. And although Leon Russell is doing the same songs in pretty much the same way, Dave Mason is doing the same songs (“Dear Mr. Fantasy” and “40,000 Headmen” from the Traffic era; a bunch of songs from Alone Together; some other '70s era solo stuff; a few new songs) in a way that totally honors the original but adds in all kinds of zing. He’s only improved as a guitar player, and also had a second really excellent guitarist in the band. Those two, plus bass player, keyboardist, and a really kick-ass drummer. Long riffs, lots of solos, interesting music. The encore was a song he wrote after Jim Capaldi’s death, using some lyrics the latter had written, followed by a really good drum solo – which segued into a totally jamming version of “Feeeling Alright” that had the entire audience on its feet and dancing.
So – if you’re between the ages of 50 and 60 (like 98% of the audience last night) and tuck your reading glasses into the neck of your polo shirt (like me and way too many of my fellow former hippies) – and if Dave Mason comes to town – definitely check him out.
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