Ray Mason (Solo) May 14, 2009

Vintage Guitar Magazine:

Not too long ago, I reviewed the Ray Mason Band album Three Dollar Man. I was taken by the band’s ability to mix styles of music, sound totally unique, and keep a sense of taste and charm one seldom hears in rock and roll these days.

The key word here is charm. The music here shows off the fellas’ personalities in a very strong way. For comparisons, my head always immediately goes to the wonderful NRBQ. There’s a sense of wonder in their music, and in that of this band, that one does not hear often. The Mason Band also has such a unique take on things lyrically that it’s almost impossible to mistake them for anyone else. Check out "Ring-A-Ling.” It basically says he likes the call from his girl. It’s a charming lyric with gorgeous chords, and a guitar solo that mixes single notes and chords into a beautifully dissonant stew. Great stuff.

And that can be said for lots of stuff here. "Water Off a Duck” has a funny lyric, with a country/pop feel and monster guitar fills. The only remake on the album makes a lot of sense. They cover the Lovin’ Spoonful’s "Didn’t Want to Have to Do It,” and that band had a lot of the innocence and charm I feel here. "Big-Ass Balloon” has a lyric that references a lot of stuff, including Elvis and Colonel Tom Parker, as the music swirls with guitars churning out sounds. It’s all wrapped up by one of those guitar solos that sounds nothing like any solo you’ve ever heard, but reminds you of a great solo from the past.

After two records, this band has convinced me. To find this mix of uniqueness, musicianship, and charming innocence in what is, essentially, a local band is a real treat.

-J. H., Vintage Guitar Magazine

Official Website: http://www.myspace.com/perkscoffeehouseproductions