The album was self produced by Mason with help from Mark & Brian Pastoria (Harmonie Park), Ron & Howard Albert (Miami Audio Vision), Ted Perlman, Tre Perry, and Phil Bonanno. The title, 26 Letters and 12 Notes, refers to the number of letters in the alphabet and the number of notes involved in western music. Mason feels a great sense of confidence in this album and calls it what he believes to be his best work yet. He says, “For me, I think it is probably one of the better albums I’ve ever done and I think I’m probably at the height of my vocal abilities right now.”
In 1967, English musician Dave Mason first found fame with the renowned rock group Traffic, the band with which he penned his classic hit “Feelin Alright.” That was just the beginning of a musical journey that would span four decades and countless successes. Throughout his 40 year career, Mason has played with some of the most popular musicians of his era including Jimi Hendrix, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Fleetwood Mac and Mama Cass Elliot. Mason is most well known for the hit single “Feelin’ Alright”, which he recorded with Traffic in 1968. In 1969, Mason headed to the USA to embark upon a solo career which resulted in his increasing rise to stardom and the popular hits “Only You Know And I Know And We Just Disagree” along with “Every Woman,” from the platinum albums Alone Together and Let It Flow. Let It Flow, has gone multi-platinum in its time and “We Just Disagree,” which is featured on this album was a top-ten single.
The new album contains twelve new tracks, including “Good 2 U”, “Let Me Go”, “How Do I Get to Heaven” (featuring Willie Nelson on guitar), “One Day”, “Ain’t Your Legs Tired Baby”, “Pink Lipstick”, “Passing Thru The Flame”, “You’re Standing In My Light”, “That’s Love” (featuring Shelia E), “El Toro”, “World of Hunger” and “Full Circle and Then”. These new tracks are “classic Dave” mixing soulful vocals and expert guitar handiwork. Dave describes the album as an eclectic blend of old classic rock with blues-tinged rhythm.
Dave and his band, which consists of, Gerald Johnson (bass), John Sambataro (guitar), Alvino Bennett (drums) and Bill Mason (Keyboard), continue to travel and perform anywhere from 80-100 shows annually.
SEE BELOW FOR TRACK LISTING.
1. Good 2 U
2. Let Me Go
3. One Day
4. Pink Lipstick
5. How Do I Get To Heaven
6. Ain’t Your Legs Tired Baby
7. You’re Standing In My Light
8. Passing Thru The Flame
9. That’s Love
10. El Toro
11. World of Hunger
12. Full Circle and Then