Garrett Mason has dazzled these eyes far too many times for me not to give this guy some attention. Garrett grew up a few blocks from me in the small town of Truro, Nova Scotia. Although I never crossed paths with Garrett until I was about 18 I have grown to be quite a fan. Garrett, the son of the late Dutch Mason: Prime Minister of the Blues, was born into the blues limelight. From a young age Garrett began to follow the prime ministers lead into the Atlantic Blues scene. Garret picked up a guitar “at the lucky age of thirteen” and hasn’t put it down since. By the time Garrett had drawn attached to guitar Dutchies health had deteriorated to the point where he could no longer show Garrett the ropes on guitar so with the help of long time band mate, The late Rick Jeffery Garrett quickly developed a solid base of skills. His playing quickly developed into a fast, unique, riff rocked blues style.
This lanky guy can rip through a groov’in rhythm, blaze through a smooth solo and belt out a serious chorus; he is the full package. Garrett won himself a Juno Award for his debut album “I’m just a man”. Since his national recognition Garrett has earned Group Recording of the year and Blues Artist of the year this past week at the 2009 Music Nova Scotia Awards for his 2008 release “Love & Sound”. The pure soul that fuels Garrett’s music is very apparent, both in his live performances and in his recordings. More and more bands seem to loose the “atmosphere” or “vibe” of their live performance on their recordings. Garrett Mason and the Vibrations have captured the essence of their live show in the recordings.
There are a number of high quality live recordings from some G.M. concerts floating around that will explain his talent far better that I can:
http://www.cbc.ca/radio2/cod/concerts/20080912hrvst
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRXq3P2pHs4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1FCam-zJaI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2L75oiUOsEM
Garrett’s shows are among the most consistent in the business. He play’s grueling sets filled with finger aching licks but he always seems to make it look effortless. The Vibrations consists of long time bass player Mike Farrington Jr. and drummer Damien Moynihan. I have noticed Garrett is earning a good chunk of air play on local radio stations in Halifax lately. As a matter of fact I won a radio contest for correctly identifying a Garrett Mason song just yesterday! (Thanks CBC)
I have high expectations for Garrett to maintain and revive the Halifax Blues Scene amongst today’s youth. When ever I have slipped a G.M. song into a party play list people always seem to get right into the grove, tapping their toes and hands. On top of being a true performer Garrett is one of the most approachable musicians I have met. I guess it’s a part of blues culture for a performer to mingle between sets but Garrett always goes out of his way to shake a hand, sign an album or catch up with a friend.
If you are looking to get out for a great live performance I would highly suggest getting to one of Garrett’s upcoming dates:
November
6 - The Astor Theatre, Liverpool, N.S.
7 - Rodd Grand Hotel Ballroom, 11:00 PM Showcase
Molson Canadian Nova Scotia Music Week Festival, Yarmouth, N.S.
21 - Pats Place, Antigonish, N.S.
Keep the beat,
Jesse James
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